Mar 11 2022
William Stafford – At the Un-National Monument along the Canadian Border
At the Un-National Monument along the Canadian Border
by William Stafford
This is the field where the battle did not happen,
where the unknown soldier did not die.
This is the field where grass joined hands,
where no monument stands,
and the only heroic thing is the sky.
Birds fly here without any sound,
unfolding their wings across the open.
No people killed — or were killed — on this ground
hallowed by neglect and an air so tame
that people celebrate it by forgetting its name.
— from The Way It Is: New & Selected Poems, by William Stafford
/ Image by Jeff King /
In the midst of the world’s travails, a moment of calm, a monument to the non-event, the non-war…
Read this poem aloud so you don’t miss its delightful rhyme:
where the unknown soldier did not die…
and the only heroic thing is the sky.
This is the field where grass joined hands,
where no monument stands,
Birds fly here without any sound…
No people killed — or were killed — on this ground
I especially love the closing couplet:
hallowed by neglect and an air so tame
that people celebrate it by forgetting its name.
Be well. Remember that, despite the news, despite the many uncertainties, that the living world still awaits outside your door. Step out into it. Say hello to the people you meet… and the happily neglected fields with their heroic skies. Have a beautiful day.
Recommended Books: William Stafford
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| The Way It Is: New & Selected Poems | My Name is William Tell | Even in Quiet Places | The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness, and Joy | Dancing with Joy: 99 Poems |
| More Books >> | ||||
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William Stafford
US (1914 – 1993) Timeline |
My heart lightens reading this purity.
I want to turn away from the unspeakable
tragedy/war we are living through and breathe this
FRESH air again and again.
I’ll be re-reading this many times and sharing it.
Thank you- Ivan . Blessngs your way and prayers for
peace in the world.
Thank you Ivan, for sharing such a wonderful poem. Perfect for now and for all times.