Naomi Shihab Nye: reading her poem, "Kindness"

I discovered Naomi Nye when I was about 28 years old, and I instantly felt a connection with her. Her poem "Kindness" resonated deeply with me. I framed it and hung it on the bathroom wall, allowing its words to inspire me every time I was in there, "taking care of the necessaries" so to speak ;-).

Now, 22 years later, I plan to hang it up again, as its meaning has grown even more profound through life's challenges. That sense of loss has fueled my excitement about aging. The years can't pass quickly enough, as the wealth of new knowledge fills my mind and enriches my experience.

In navigating the complexities of life, I remind myself, "Let things not always be unkind." Here is Naomi reading her own work, each word echoing with even more beauty than when we were both around 29. 

Enjoy the experience of her voice; it holds so much value.

Bukowski (C.) wrote a very similar poem of equal potency and I'll likely have to share that too as, despite his admittedly vile (but true) character, the man could write. 

More later...

-------------------------------------------------------

This post supplements the facts made public on my main website, http://www.jbhfile.com/; it probably will not make much sense to you if you have not already become aware of the legal and personal efforts discussed there. Please see http://www.jbhfile.com/ for a necessary introduction to why this blog exists. Or, if you just like reading weird stuff, then don't. And, enjoy.

-------------------------------------------------------
jbh.