(for the wedding of my firstborn)
A blank book begins on a pedestal.
Knock it off.
Spill some ink
deliberately.
Life is gloriously messy,
let it know that you are
participating!
Let it know that you have both shown up
and that your team
will make its mark
immediately.
You may not always write big and bold –
but do so now!
Claim this joint territory with
some reckless abandon
while you may,
so that your children will honor you,
and learn that real authority derives from truth,
and never vice versa.
16 Comments
July 25, 2009 at 2:47 am
I thoroughly enjoyed this, Wayne. Very inspiring.
July 25, 2009 at 10:30 am
Thanks, brother Brad.
July 26, 2009 at 3:54 am
Good one
I like it when you say authority derives from truth
July 26, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Thank you, Mariana.
July 26, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Big! and glorious advice.
July 27, 2009 at 8:02 am
Paul, thank you.
August 3, 2009 at 8:58 am
[...] stumbled across this poem at Transformation by Dialectic and just loved it. Two Pens, One [...]
August 3, 2009 at 10:59 am
Thank you for re-posting. I’m so glad you liked this piece.
August 3, 2009 at 9:17 am
(found you via my friend @Notebookstories on twitter)
beautiful metaphor
In my work with artists, myself included, I have observed that finished work emerges when we wrestle with mistakes & beginnings. And that work is set apart when we embrace authenticity in our work.
you said:
“Spill some ink” & “…do so now” & “learn that real authority derives from truth, and never vice versa.”
Yes. yes. yes!
August 3, 2009 at 11:02 am
It’s so delightful to make a connection this way. Thank you, Betsy. Drop by anytime!
August 3, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I think I write the same comment every time. But I don’t care. Each time I mean it.
This is my favorite poem you’ve shared with us.
Printing it to keep in my pocket. How’s that for love?
August 3, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Dear Bryan, I can always count on you. Bless your heart.
August 3, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Ahhh yes! The last two lines are perfect! Exactly the wavelength that I’m on right now.
August 4, 2009 at 7:31 am
It’s sweet to be mutually reinforced, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by.
August 10, 2009 at 11:26 pm
What a bold, beautiful, and inspiring poem. And congratulations to your firstborn!
August 11, 2009 at 8:38 am
Thank you, Thomma Lyn.