Heavypen – freelance writer, editor, and publisher in California

I was rummaging through some notes and rediscovered this wonderfully written poem – quite possibly one of my favorites. It is called ‘The Well Rising’ by William Stafford; featured by NPR in its coverage of John Felstiner’s book “Can Poetry Save the Earth?”

The well rising without sound,
the spring on a hillside,
the plowshare brimming through the 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 wing beat to wing beat
counseling decision, decision:
thunderous examples. I place my feet
with care in such a world.

-HP

Tags: optimism, poetry, William Safford