A Holistic Journey

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A New Song

We don’t see it’s really sand beneath our feet. We draw noise and light and words over the untidy fear of our last sun. What will remain of the demands I have made, the accolade, the love I have given, the grief I have drunk, the hours I have written riven by loss, borne back…

Holistic Wayfarer
1–2 minutes
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We don’t see it’s really
sand beneath our feet.
We draw noise and light
and words over the untidy
fear of our last sun.

What will remain of the
demands I have made,
the accolade, the love
I have given, the grief
I have drunk, the hours
I have written
riven by loss, borne back
in battle, visited by
seasons of joy that robbed
me of language?

When the plans and pages
that had filled my life flutter
to the floor like careless leaves

On sure ground will I return
this borrowed breath
the sonatas I have performed,
the dreams I have played will be
— I will see – but a note
I surrender for a new song.

83 responses to “A New Song”

  1. Sherri Avatar
    Sherri

    ‘When the plans and pages that had filled my life flutter to the floor like careless leaves…’ then, ‘I surrender for a new song’. Oh Diana, you are one gifted writer and the beauty of this poem leaves me singing the music of your new song, to which you have surrendered. So beautiful.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks so much for the specific feedback, Sherri. I sure appreciate your audience. Love, Diana

      Reply
      1. Sherri Avatar
        Sherri

        🙂 x

  2. navigator1965 Avatar
    navigator1965

    Simply lovely. I, too, was moved by the “like careless leaves simile.”

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      I must say, I love having you here, Navigator.

      Reply
      1. navigator1965 Avatar
        navigator1965

        A mutual sentiment, as I do enjoy my visits.

  3. Mr. CATSOE Avatar
    Mr. CATSOE

    Beautiful..!! It just naturally flows.
    Much like a river naturally flowing to it’s mother ocean. Alluring..
    Wonderfully written.

    Reply
    1. patcoyle53 Avatar
      patcoyle53

      The type of poem I wish I could write. Beautiful imagery!

      Reply
      1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        How sweet, Pat. Thank you.

    2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thank you for taking the time on such rich feedback, Mr. C. You’ve given such wonderful support.

      Reply
  4. Mikels Skele Avatar
    Mikels Skele

    Perfect, almost like some kind of long-form haiku; the same sentiment is there.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thank you! “Perfect”? Can’t get better than that. Go figure…I’d planned on visiting, when time allowed. I like the new avatar: clearer smile. =)

      Reply
  5. AdonaiShekhinah Avatar
    AdonaiShekhinah

    Beautiful words and heartbreaking imagery

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thank you. I hate to break your heart :/ But I know I haven’t done lasting damage. Big hug.

      Reply
      1. AdonaiShekhinah Avatar
        AdonaiShekhinah

        No, what you did was beautifully insightful

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        =) I’m so happy you dropped in.

      3. AdonaiShekhinah Avatar
        AdonaiShekhinah

        I’m doing my best to check in now and then, thank you for your contribution to the blogosphere, I enjoy visiting 🙂

  6. Curt Mekemson Avatar
    Curt Mekemson

    “But a note” captures the essence of your beautiful poem for me, Diana. The time spent worrying about our legacy is like so many of the other worries we devote our lives to. It is time better spent living in the simplicity of the moment. The sound and fury becomes a whisper and then it fades away. –Curt

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      I feel so blessed for your enriching thoughts, Curt. You caught me at an emotional moment, actually. I mean right now. I will say it again and again how grateful I am for those who take the time here and let me know how something deep from my person speaks into their story.

      Reply
  7. Writing to Freedom Avatar
    Writing to Freedom

    Another beautiful poem Diana. Your muse touches and inspires mine! I loved the phrases like “but a note,” and “flutter to the floor like careless leaves” which pierces me with sadness for my own lost dreams and plans. I hope Curt is right about living the moment and not worrying about the legacy.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Hey Brad, do feel free anytime to point me to any post of yours that happened to have been inspired from the Holistic Journey. — though there is absolutely no expectation of or obligation of anything to present me. Of course ambivalence attends my feelings on your response. It is a tremendous honor, as a writer, to be able to pierce someone’s spirit like that – while of course we hate to evoke emotions that hurt. As to worry, well there is just such an abundance of things to worry about, and the energy expended changes not an iota of anything.

      Reply
  8. Jane Risdon Avatar
    Jane Risdon

    Lovely to read this, thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful day and a great week. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks so much for the good word, Jane. See you back on your board — when I can. =)

      Reply
      1. Jane Risdon Avatar
        Jane Risdon

        Thanks so much and I look forward to seeing you again soon to. 🙂

  9. diahannreyes Avatar
    diahannreyes

    Beautiful, Diana! I know poetry is always open to interpretation via the reader’s own filter– to me I am experiencing in your words new grounding and a letting go of impermanence to welcome what’s next. Love this – “What will remain of the
    demands I have made,
    the accolade, the love
    I have given, the grief
    I have drunk, the hours
    I have written”

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Oohhh, thanks Diahann. What an interpretive response.

      Reply
    2. JudahFirst Avatar
      JudahFirst

      And yet, I hear a permanence to the remains of our lives in this:

      On sure ground will I return
      this borrowed breath
      the sonatas I have performed,
      the dreams I have played will be
      – I will see – but a note

      Note nothing, but a note – something definite. There has to be a lasting element to our passing moments. Without that hope the demands, accolades, love, grief and hours are left meaningless.

      What I hear in your writing is a breath of the mystery of life itself, Diana. You somehow manage to capture the mysterious in a unique way that moves your readers – as clearly communicated by the comments.

      Thanks for sharing your rare take on the world around you. You bless us. -C

      Reply
      1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Ours is sure ground, JF. Let us rejoice! “I hear in your writing..a breath of the mystery of life itself.” I am blown away. I am honored.

        Grateful you continue our relationship. Will pray for you and the context of “those events” this season.

        Love, Diana

  10. monicasicoe Avatar
    monicasicoe

    great lyrics, thank you

    Reply
  11. agjorgenson Avatar
    agjorgenson

    I love the phrase “careless leaves.” I can just imagine them, shrugging off their fall, knowing that all will be well in the end.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      “knowing that all will be well in the end.” I love your positive outlook. Not everyone would see such a knowing at the end of the fall. Thank you for your time here.

      Reply
  12. Francina Avatar
    Francina

    Beautiful , simply beautiful poem. Groetjes, Francina

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks, F. I’m glad you’re well enough to resume blogging. I’d stopped by earlier to see how you’re doing.

      Reply
      1. Francina Avatar
        Francina

        Thank you, it’s good to be back at blogging even it’s a little restricted yet 🙂

  13. John Stevens Avatar
    John Stevens

    You write of looking forward to a new song. This poem is, of course, itself a song: there’s a musicality in the lines – and in its content it is, essentially, a hymn.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      John S, you caught my eye with feedback like that. Said the magic word, something I never would have attributed to my work but love through and through: HYMN. You not only impelled me to a revisit of your thoughtful work, but convinced me to follow.

      Reply
  14. shazza91321 Avatar
    shazza91321

    D your amazingly complex, you write poetry too!!! I’ve always thought about doing it but not sure I can. Maybe you’ve inspired me to try. Very nice. Shazza.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Shazza, I don’t believe you’ve seen how I came to pick up the poetry again:

      http://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/07/04/bereft-poetry-reborn/

      We can do so much for one another out here. GO FOR IT.

      Reply
      1. shazza91321 Avatar
        shazza91321

        I will check it out and read it today. I wanted to ask you, if you ever see the movie 12 Years A Slave, let me know what you thought about the movie I would love to hear or read your perspective on it. I know you’re not avid movie watcher but if you do let me know. I’m such a perfectionist it will take me a while to actually post a poem but I’m going to work on it.

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        He he he – Shazza, you know me!! You make me let out the secret that slavery is my next subtopic in the GREATNESS series. I’ve been trying to go see it! Eyeing this wknd…..am just incredibly busy. The movie happened to come out at a time I was going to write on the subject (had planned to two months back).

      3. shazza91321 Avatar
        shazza91321

        You know how I knew that about you? Because you’re a deep thinker, I can tell by your writing style. Wow, how interesting. We are becoming fast friends D, by the way is ok if I call you D? LOL. Ok, I will wait for you response on D before I call you that again. Diana, I’m truly glad you found me here, what a Joy!!! Shazza or Sharon is my real name. PS go see the movie and bring tissue.

  15. Lucas J. Draeger Avatar
    Lucas J. Draeger

    I’m loving the rhythms of this piece. “Careless leaves” That’s killer.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks, Lucas. Nice to have you here. I hope the Nov plans you determined to tend to are seeing light.

      Reply
  16. manyounighted Avatar
    manyounighted

    Those last two stanzas are truly amazing! The sentiment of nostalgia and it’s cruel demand we live life as it always was really resonated with me.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thank you so much for the generous, meditative feedback.

      Reply
  17. D.G.Kaye Avatar
    D.G.Kaye

    Bravo! So deep, very intense…”I have drunk the hours…,.”, I love that as a writer!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks for the faithful cheer, D.

      Reply
      1. D.G.Kaye Avatar
        D.G.Kaye

        So welcome 🙂

  18. I HAVE A VOICE Avatar
    I HAVE A VOICE

    Friend ~ questions are usually the answers we can’t decipher or like a rubicon needs to be searched out, and patiently wait. A composition composed by your seeking soul! Brilliantly written ! Faithfully Debbie

    Reply
  19. kaligrafinusantaraonline Avatar
    kaligrafinusantaraonline

    very beautiful song lyric

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks so much for all the support. =)

      Reply
  20. rommel Avatar
    rommel

    Good gracious, you are sooooo goooood. Love the very last line. It feels like enjoying the moment even with a sort of pressure, or doing it for the last time. It looks like you are a one of a kind writer for me.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Now, this comment is REALLY welcome LOL. Thanks so much for all the specific feedback. You are one helpful reader! =) Diana

      Reply
  21. barbarastanley Avatar
    barbarastanley

    I think your poem is excellent as it is and needs no corrections. I can feel what you have asked me to feel. That is what a good poem does.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Perhaps I’m reading your feedback with a magnifying lens. At least I’m taking it seriously. Hmmm. You feel what I have asked you to feel… interesting. I’m wondering if I ask readers to feel what I did at the time of writing, or free them up to the feelings that their own background experiences provide in the reading.

      Probably both. No need to respond. I appreciate your time.

      You are absolutely welcome, at any time, to provide constructive criticism where you observe room for improvement.

      Reply
      1. barbarastanley Avatar
        barbarastanley

        🙂 If I ever feel I can help you become a better writer, I will be there for you as I know you will for me. It could also be that I was just feeling the same as you when you wrote the poem. I think we are at least a little bit alike.

  22. parth893 Avatar
    parth893

    ♥ Lovely & honest Song Diana 🙂

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks. I can’t always guarantee the lovely but I am always

      honest.

      =)

      Reply
  23. mockingbird181984 Avatar
    mockingbird181984

    It’s beautiful how you used music (song) as a metaphor to life. I love how you captured this state of awakening into the reality of letting go in order to move on to the next stage. Beautiful, Dianna! Beautifully penned!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Quite appreciate the thoughtful feedback. Thx for lending depth to my work.

      Diana

      Reply
  24. valleygrail Avatar
    valleygrail

    From sand to sure ground; one is shifting, one a rock. That’s a hallelujah song we embrace!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      AmEn!

      Reply
  25. utahrob Avatar
    utahrob

    Poet A+

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      LOL So very sweet. Very.

      Reply
  26. noellevignola Avatar
    noellevignola

    Writing about death is not easy and the pitch in this was perfect. Not melancholy, but aware. Beautiful.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      You’re amazing. Perfect pitch, eh? I’m grateful for the thoughtful, well articulated feedback, my friend.

      Love,
      Diana

      Reply
  27. Curt Mekemson Avatar
    Curt Mekemson

    We live on in those we touch and in those they touch. We live on in our genetic make up. And, being writers, we live on in our words. And just maybe, we live on in the great beyond. Each moment is precious. –Curt

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      You wrote a post. =) Talk about beautiful. I love the first line. Makes me think of how I’m reaping the sweet fruit of my mother’s hard investment in my piano and the lessons, that I can teach her grandson his music. Thanks for the light of your wisdom, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Curt Mekemson Avatar
        Curt Mekemson

        As always, you are welcome, D. –Curt

  28. Dalo 2013 Avatar
    Dalo 2013

    Beautiful! Such a twinge of sadness with plans & pages fluttering to the floor ~ but only to be given a great, full breathe of fresh air with your search for yet another song…

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks for reflecting back to me what you saw and heard here, Randall. Appreciate your time.

      Reply
  29. roxannefrijas Avatar
    roxannefrijas

    Reblogged this on frijasroxanne.

    Reply
  30. dbp49 Avatar
    dbp49

    Absolutely beautiful, and just a little bit sad. Thank-you for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Grateful for your audience, D.

      Diana

      Reply
  31. Mabel Kwong Avatar
    Mabel Kwong

    Another wonderful poem. “I surrender for a new song” What a last line, that gave me the shivers. Vulnerability, bravery and courage all in that short phrase. A new song? A new beginning then. As Curt touched upon in the comments, worrying doesn’t really get us far. Sure, dwelling on what we’ve done we might realise a lesson or two somewhere. But sometimes we really just have to forget about our worries and fears in order to start the next chapter, and basically move on.

    Looking forward to the next poem, D 🙂

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      I appreciate the thoughtful feedback, M. Since you mention the next poem, I don’t think it’ll be a while. I did post this alongside A New Song – here it is just to help you get to it more efficiently. No obligation to comment here or there. =) Thanks so much for the read.

      http://holisticwayfarer.com/2014/11/03/autumn-raiment/

      Reply
  32. Olamide Avatar
    Olamide

    This is such a beautiful piece, I’m glad I stopped by.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks. =)

      Reply
  33. alohaleya Avatar
    alohaleya

    i am in awe of your words…

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      So very sweet, Aleya. Thanks so much.

      Xxx
      D.

      Reply
  34. Jean Brunson Avatar
    Jean Brunson

    Your blog inspires me.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Aw, thanks, Jean. So much, for the good word.

      Reply
    2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      And thanks so much for the follow. =)

      Reply

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