late summer, 2007I would love to live
like a river flowing
carried by surprise
of its own unfolding
John O'Donahue
autumn, 2007
early winter, 2007
Today, as I took in a leisurely afternoon of just hanging out, I turned on the CBC radio to listen to a show I enjoy every week called Tapestry. It's an hour long program on faith and spirituality where the host interviews individuals from all walks and religions. I settled in only to be presently surprised by a lovely rebroadcast of an interview taped in 2004 with the late John O'Donahue. It wasn't until halfway through the interview that I realized I remembered listening to the original broadcast. The difference..........I was half listening then. Today, I was fully present, allowing this gentle man's beautiful insightful lyricism and stories inspire.
It was an amazing interview.........full of life, optimism, gems of wisdom.
I sent a message to a friend today and in it admitted that selfishly I felt ripped off that I had missed out on the chance of meeting and listening to John O'Donahue. I felt like I had only just heard of this man. I havent even read one of his books.........havent arranged to get them into my hands yet. But, this afternoon, as I sat on my bed with a view of the top of the pussy willow tree and blue sky to gaze at.......with the knowledge that the river down the hill (which I can see clearly at this time of yearr from my bedroom if I stood up by my window) was flowing past with stories, I sat in a cocooned stillness while listening to the sound of eternal beauty with a cleansing Irish lilt.
The poem I included here? It was how Father O'Donahue ended the interview......... his sentiments I fully understand. The surprise of the ongoing change of flow is how life should unfold........ like a river.
I don't feel ripped off anymore. :)
9 comments:
beautiful photos dana wonderful expressions of the joy of poetry and how it conveys wonder awe and transcendence you always have such incredible artistic display my friend
You've inspired me to want to hear/read him too. I know his recent death caused a lot of heartache for many. But his words and wisdom live on....
I would love to have heard that interview Dana, am still reading his books as I only recently became aware of him.
Indeed it would be wonderful if we could live just like that...
perhaps we can.. :)x
Robert.. thank you. Father O'Donahue's poetry and prose, though I have only very limited exposure as yet, is so beautiful. when i heard him recite this four line poem, I knew right away I wanted to post a few photos of the Saint John River taken near my home to accompany it.
Layla....some of the more poignant stories he shared during this interview was about death and the death of loved ones. He talked about how he prays TO the loved ones who had passed on because he always believed that they were there with him providing support and strength everyday of his life. Perhaps the people whom he touched deeply will fill Father O'Donahues presence always too.
Katie....it's so difficult not to try to control so much of our daily lives and not just simply let it unfold. He spoke today that the best friend of the soul is the unknown..... and yet how frightening is that? It comes down to trusting our faith doesn't it? And since mine personally waxes and wanes......and since I'm somewhat of a control freak......well, it's like paddling upstream with no paddle.
the interview with John can be heard on www.cbc.ca/tapestry Look for latest show or search the archives. Not to be listened to as a background noise, this man desreves your full aweareness.
margmarg...thank you. and thank you for taking the time to sign up as a blogger just to leave this link. That was really kind of you. i had search the site earlier today and found no link.....but now found it in the archives.
it seems to me that one can't help but give over your full awareness. Father O'Donahue had the magic gift of pulling you into his cadence of stories and poetry.
Enjoy your evening.
This man certainly has a way with words that makes you sit up and take notice. I must try and get my hands on some of his work myself. Thanks for making me aware of him Dana and love your photos as always. I look forward to seeing them almost as much as I look forward to the wonderful words you convey.
Lovely...! I need to find out who John O'. is....! You have mentioned him before and this poem feels so 'right-on' to me....
And by the way, YOU know how to paint a picture or two with words....Every time I come here I am so very taken with all that you say....!
And, thanks for your comments, my dear. I dearly appreciate them more than I can say!
Gypsy. I will be doing the same. :)
Naomi. thank you. take care and don't forget to take in all those lovely sunset vistas!
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