I'd been wondering what to say here for a few days, and just today, on a friend's blog, found this snippet of Milosz:
GATHERING APRICOTS
In the sun, while there, below, over the bay
Only clouds of white mist wander, fleetingly,
And the range of hills is grayish on the blue,
Apricots, the whole tree full of them, in the dark leaves,
Glimmer, yellow and red, bringing to mind
The garden of Hesperides and apples of Paradise.
I reach for a fruit and suddenly feel the presence
And put aside the basket and say, "It's a pity
That you died and cannot see these apricots,
While I celebrate this undeserved life."
I guess it's up to us to eat apricots for her now, to walk our dogs, to drink coffee, to do all the things that make up a life with a little bit more appreciation for the fact that not everyone we love can do those simple things any longer.
- Chris C.
Posted by maddyfriends at December 19, 2003 03:16 PM