the way it is

there's is a thread you follow.
it goes among things that change.
but it doesn't change.
people wonder about what you are pursuing.
you have to explain about the thread.
but it's hard for others to see.
while you hold it you can't get lost.
tragedies happen; people get hurt, or die,
and you suffer and get old.
nothing you do can stop times unfolding.
you don't ever let go of the thread.

-William Stafford

via teaching with fire