October has arrived with rain and wind, surging tides and threats of floods around the Cornish coast. The tail end of Lorenzo is due to hit at the weekend – so – here is Action for Happiness’ advice for beating the dark days in October:
I have posted several of Naomi Shihab Nye’s poems before. (Put her name into the search to find them all.). This is another very moving piece with a philosophy that I applaud.
The Arabs used to say,
When a stranger appears at your door,
feed him for three days
before asking who he is,
where he’s come from,
where he’s headed.
That way, he’ll have strength
enough to answer.
Or, by then you’ll be
such good friends
you don’t care.
Let’s go back to that.
Rice? Pine nuts?
Here, take the red brocade pillow.
My child will serve water
to your horse.No, I was not busy when you came!
I was not preparing to be busy.
That’s the armor everyone put on
to pretend they had a purpose
in the world.I refuse to be claimed.
Your plate is waiting.
We will snip fresh mint
into your tea.Naomi Shihab Nye -1952