KristyWes

Wednesdays with Walt
My perusal through old emails turned up these verses that a friend once forwarded to me, and I've loved ever since. They are excerpted (slightly out of order) from Walt Whitman's poem, Song of the Open Road. Not entirely appropriate for today, as the Open Road is covered with "wintry mix" and I'm more in the mood for, say, Song of the Comfortable Couch Near the Fireplace, With My Book.
Nonetheless, reading over these words today made me pause and reflect on my recent attitude about possibly leaving New York, following God, and life in general. Maybe you'll take your own meaning away from these verses. Anyways, Enjoy!
"I do not offer the old smooth prizes, But offer rough new prizes... These are the days that must happen to you: You shall not heap up what is called riches, You shall scatter with lavish hand all that you earn or achieve. However sweet these laid-up stores, However convenient this dwelling We cannot remain here, However shelter'd this port And however calm these waters We must not anchor here, However welcome the hospitality that surrounds us We are permitted to receive it but a little while. Afoot and lighthearted, take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me, The long brown path before me, Leading wherever I choose. Camerado, I give you my hand! I give you my love, more precious than money, I give you myself before preaching or law: Will you give me yourself? Will you come travel with me? Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?"
(from Song of the Open Road, Walt Whitman)