The Well Rising by William Stafford
The well rising without sound,
the spring on a hillside,
the plowshare brimming through deep ground
everywhere in the field—
The sharp swallows in their swerve
flaring and hesitating
hunting for the final curve
coming closer and closer—
The swallow heart from wingbeat to wingbeat
counseling decision, decision:
thunderous examples. I place my feet
with care in such a world.
“The Well Rising” copyright 1960, 1998 the Estate of William Stafford.
What signs of spring are you noticing right now? Simply write down a list of anything, from the fragrance of flowers to the nesting of birds. After you’ve made your list, reflect on how it makes you feel to be part of this green and growing season.
Take a meditative walk, reminding yourself to place your feet with care. Feel how it is to walk with this kind of reverence for the more-than-human world. Write about the experience in your journal.
What can you feel coming closer and closer in this season of spring? This can be new projects, friendships, or ways of being. What wants to emerge in you now?
