On "Bowing not knowing to what"

I am continually surprised by the unexpected nature of life. Just when we think that we have grabbed a firm hold on the reins and are driving the team and wagon of our days along the dusty track we prefer - Bam!- the journey changes. A wheel falls off, a fallen tree blocks the road, the team bolts with a mind of its own, or we simply decide to pull the wagon onto a grassy patch and rest for a while. In any case, our travels through life have a way of going in any direction but the one that we expect them to.

I came across part of this poem quoted in a TV show review this morning. Instantly I knew it was perfect for my mood of the day. Not focused on death and ends, but just bemused by the constant "not knowing to what" and yet carrying on by believing in something that marks our days here... for now.

“On the Anniversary of My Death”
W. S. Merwin

Every year without knowing it I have passed the day
When the last fires will wave to me
And the silence will set out
Tireless traveller
Like the beam of a lightless star

Then I will no longer
Find myself in life as in a strange garment
Surprised at the earth
And the love of one woman
And the shamelessness of men
As today writing after three days of rain
Hearing the wren sing and the falling cease
And bowing not knowing to what


Thank you for visiting my blog after my long absence. I wish you all the best of friendship and love as we all muddle through the unexpectedness of life together.