Thank you Mike. I needed that bit of beauty tonight. Bless you for posting it. Julie Krueger ========Original Message======== Subj: [lit-ideas] SUNDAY POEM Date: 8/6/06 11:10:52 P.M. Central Daylight Time From: _atlas@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (mailto:atlas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx) To: _lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (mailto:lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx) Sent on: In such ugly times, the only true protest is beauty. -- Phil Ochs GIFT -- W. S. Merwin I have to trust what was given to me if I am to trust anything it led the stars over the shadowless mountain what does it not remember in its night and silence what does it not hope knowing it self no child of time what did it not begin what will it not end I have to hold it up in my hands as my ribs hold up my heart I have to let it open its wings and fly among the gifts of the unknown again in the mountain I have to turn to the morning I must be led by what was given to me as streams are led by it and braiding flights of birds the gropings of veins and the learning of plants the thankful days breath by breath I call to it Nameless One O Invisible Untouchable Free I am nameless I am divided I am invisible I am untouchable and empty nomad live with me be my eyes my tongue and my hands my sleep and my rising out of chaos come and be given