Jane Kenyon Quotes

We try a new drug, a new combination <br/>of drugs, and suddenly <br/>I fall into my life again <br/><br/>like a vole picked up by a storm <br/>then dropped three valleys <br/>and two mountains away from home. <br/><br/>I can find my way back. I know <br/>I will recognize the store <br/>where I used to buy milk and gas. <br/><br/>I remember the house and barn, <br/>the rake, the blue cups and plates, <br/>the Russian novels I loved so much, <br/><br/>and the black silk nightgown <br/>that he once thrust <br/>into the toe of my Christmas stocking.

life home depression drugs mountains christmas fall remember black find novels storm milk russian blue house hope

The poet's job is to put into words those feelings we all have that are so deep, so important, and yet so difficult to name, to tell the truth in such a beautiful way, that people cannot live without it.

poetry truth poets

OtherwiseI got out of bed on two strong legs. It might have been otherwise. I ate cereal, sweet milk, ripe, flawless peach. It might have been otherwise. I took the dog uphill to the birch wood. All morning I did the work I love. At noon I lay down with my mate. It might have been otherwise. We ate dinner together at a table with silver candlesticks. It might have been otherwise. I slept in a bed in a room with paintings on the walls, and planned another day just like this day. But one day, I know, it will be otherwise.

poetry life gratitude