the beginning

I came across this poem the other day in some old emails. At the time of receiving it, I was not necessarily in a place to be able to completely understand it. 3 years (actually 30 years) in, I can now absolutely relate. I love to come across something like this; a poem, a song, a book, a piece of art that at one point was of interest but you put it aside. And then it finds you again. At the perfect time.


In out-of-the way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the grey promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise with relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plentitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back; learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.


- John O'Donohue