Somewhere there is a simple life

Anna Akhmatova translator: Judith Hemschemeyer Somewhere there is a simple life and a world, Transparent, warm and joyful . . . There at evening a neighbour talks with a girl Across the fence, and only the bees can hear This most tender murmuring of all. But we live ceremoniously and with difficulty And we observeContinue reading “Somewhere there is a simple life”

The desert has many teachings

Mechthild of Magdeburg translated by: Jane Hirshfield In the desert, Turn towards emptiness, Fleeing the self. Stand alone, Ask no-one’s help, And your being will quiet Free from the bondage of things. Those who cling to the world, Endeavour to free them; Those who are free, praise. Care for the sick, But live alone, HappyContinue reading “The desert has many teachings”

Love – a many splendour’d thing but very personal

Love is a very personal thing and is not always full of sweet moments. Three poets can look at love and even if they are close, with similar backgrounds, each will have had a different experience. If you lose the love of your life, no matter what the reason, it can be painful but theContinue reading “Love – a many splendour’d thing but very personal”