Gift, by Czeslaw Milosz
A day so happy.
Fog lifted early. I worked in the garden.
Hummingbirds were stopping over honeysuckle flowers.
There was no thing on earth I wanted to possess.
I knew no one worth my envying him.
Whatever evil I had suffered, I forgot.
To think that once I was the same man did not embarrass me.
In my body I felt no pain.
When straightening up, I saw the blue sea and sails.
Berkeley, 1971
Wonderful poem. The power of simplicity and clear sight.
I’m glad you like it — and that Milosz didn’t let this moment of happiness go by unrecognized.
Thank you. Milosz is one of my favorites. What a beautiful expression of
peace on earth.
I agree. And thank you for stopping by! Best, BL
http://pappmaskin.blogspot.com/2007/03/serenity-and-sense-of-fullfillment.html
Love this poem.
Hi Morten and welcome! I too love this poem.
One of my most favorite poems. I asked one of my Polish speaking students to read it to me is Polish. It is really a beautiful poem. Thanks for posting it.
Mark, You’re most welcome. Thanks for coming by — it’s always lovely to meet someone who likes the same things you do.
Can you tell me what means the line, to think that once I was the same man does not embarrass me –
Thank you.