Love After Love
The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other's welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
Derek Walcott
No matter how good the book - it is well conceived and written - this poem is the gem. If this poem reaches your heart, your soul, think about reading more of Derek Walcott's poems. He was rightly honoured with the 'Nobel Prize For Literature'.
11 comments:
I'm so glad that you have got around to reading 'The Time Traveler's Wife', as I love this book. I hope that you are enjoying it as much as I did.
I don't remember this poem being at the beginning of the book though. It is a shame that I missed reading this beautiful poem.
Ah, a thought provoking poem on the complex nature of love between self and the other.
aguja - i thoroughly enjoyed that book and i would agree that the diamond of it is walcott's poem. thanks for reminding me of its message. steven
You've got me wondering why the author opened with this poem. It's a beauty. Walcott is amazing. But I wonder how it fits into the story; if in fact, it does.
In the U.S. April is National Poetry month. I'm collecting a few things and should have a Sunday Snippet up next Sunday.
Nice snippet, as always!
Gina
I do love this poem :-) Oddly enough, I enjoyed the film of The Time Traveller's Wife more than the book. Sometimes I can't get into a writer's style. I found it annoying to read and I stopped about 50 pages in. But I seem to be the only one-- hope you're enjoying it!
Some poems are written for a certain time, and at a certain time. This poem is for all eternity :)
i had this gorgeous poem on my blog for many a month...lovely
xox
Thank you all for your great comments, sharing your views on the book.
The poem is apt for the book, but the poem is much more than the book.
I am actually enjoying the writing style. I can imagine it as a film, but have not seen it.
This poem is indeed special.
I am looking forward to National Poetry Month!!
Thanks again ... and enjoy this week.
This is a poem that touched my heart. I will definitely read more Derek Walcott.
Mmm. Do, Teresa. I find it incredible.
You are so right, the book was wonderful, but the poem is sublime!
thanks for reminding me :)
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