It’s been a while since we’ve revisited William Stafford. It is time. I love this poem, and I so wish I would have had a chance to workshop with William Stafford before he passed away.
Photos here are by my dear friend David of David Alexander Photography Studios in Northern Ireland. Lovely memories of a few of the views during my last visit a year ago.
Security
Tomorrow will have an island. Before night
I always find it. Then on to the next island.
These places hidden in the day separate
and come forward if you beckon.
But you have to know they are there before they exist.
Some time there will be a tomorrow without any island.
So far, I haven’t let that happen, but after
I’m gone others may become faithless and careless.
Before them will tumble the wide unbroken sea,
and without any hope they will stare at the horizon.
So to you, Friend, I confide my secret:
to be a discoverer you hold close whatever
you find, and after a while you decide
what it is. Then, secure in where you have been,
you turn to the open sea and let go.
–William Stafford
David J. Bauman 
Another excellent choice! Gorgeous photos and terrific links! You’re a top notch blogger & gentleman ~Sincerely Deborah
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Ah, thank you. That means a lot, Deb.
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Such a powerful poem.
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It’s one of my favorites by him. I’m glad you liked it.
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Oh! I didn’t know about this Stafford poem. Thank you for making sure I “discovered” it. I can see why it’s a favorite.
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Yes, I think it was a later one of his. I had only discovered it this last year, and I’ve been a fan of his since the 90’s
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