LET THIS DARKNESS BE A BELL TOWER

Here is a letter and a beautiful poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, from someone called Julie from San Francisco, to my husband’s awesome Red Hand Files. It’s a wise and powerful poem. Thank you so much, Julie.
Love, Susie x

Nick,

I’d be grateful if you could thank Susie for her Stuff Posts for me. They are imbued with her beautiful spirit and brighten my day.

Here is a poem I’d like to share with you and Susie.

Let This Darkness Be a Bell Tower

Quiet friend who has come so far,
feel how your breathing makes more space around you.
Let this darkness be a bell tower
and you the bell. As you ring,

what batters you becomes your strength.
Move back and forth into the change.
What is it like, such intensity of pain?
If the drink is bitter, turn yourself to wine.

In this uncontainable night,
be the mystery at the crossroads of your senses,
the meaning discovered there.
And if the world has ceased to hear you,

say to the silent earth: I flow.
To the rushing water, speak: I am.

By Rainer Maria Rilke
tr. by Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy