In the mornings I write in bed. This is a very luxurious way to write especially now that my husband is home. He rises with the dawn to play hockey, and he feeds all things canine and equine and even brews a large pot of coffee, so all I have to do is pad downstairs for my coffee, and then snuggle back into my bed with my laptop.
I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock with my novel and, while sipping my coffee this morning, I flipped through one of the collections of poetry that I keep next to my bed, and found this treasure by Walt Whitman. It’s so perfectly fitting for me right now. I hope the gossamer thread of my soul catches somewhere today, and I hope yours does too, whoever you are and whatever you do.
A Noiseless Patient Spider
A noiseless, patient spider,
I mark’d, where, on a little promontory, it stood, isolated;
Mark’d how, to explore the vacant, vast surrounding,
It launch’d forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself;
Ever unreeling them–ever tirelessly speeding them.
And you, O my Soul, where you stand,
Surrounded, surrounded, in measureless oceans of space,
Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing,–seeking the spheres, to
connect them;
Till the bridge you will need, be form’d–till the ductile anchor
hold;
Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, O my Soul.
Walt Whitman
that was a nice way to wake up, as i was having my tea,i read the poem. thx, and i hope you can write today… it will come, you have so much around you to inspire.. love your blog, it’s terrific., also thx for introducing me to dani shapiro, i cannot wait to get her books. interview was great.
Many thanks, Ann, for the poems and the photos and the lovely words as we head into the new year.
I hope you get over the roadblock with the book soon. I know that can so frustrating when you’re writing.
Love the poem!
What a perfectly peaceful way to wake and start your day
…
I am sure when you least expect it, you will get over that roadblock…
Thank you for sharing your pics and poems….
I love this poem. I’ve only read some of Walt Whitman’s poems in “Leaves of Grass”. I never read “A noiseless patient spider”. Thank you for sharing various poems throughout your blog. I like being exposed to new poems and really enjoy the ones you share with us.
Happy New Year! (I just realized today that this is the first “NEW” year where it really means “NEW” in terms of all the new things in store for us and our country after Jan. 20th!)
Happy New Year Ann,
Thank you for all of your blogging over the past several months. It has been delightful to reread many of your posts. I am sure we are all looking forward to a new year of hope and promise. I trust your writer’s block has passed and anxiously await your new novel.
Happy New Year to my fellow posters to Ann’s blog, it’s been fun “getting to know you” during the year. I love all of your links.
Thank you for that Ann. I don’t turn to Whitman, being more of Jane Austen person myself, but he never disappoints. The sentiment is perfect for this time of new beginning and reflection.
As an emerging writer myself, I’m always thankful when established writers admit to writer’s block or being stuck. It is hard work, no matter who you are. Your honesty is very encouraging. Good luck!