Does it matter whether you hate yourself? At least love your eyes that can see, your mind that can hear the music, the thunder of the wings.
Interpretation
Self-appreciation is essential, even in moments of self-doubt or self-hate.
Robinson Jeffers emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the beauty and capabilities within ourselves, even when we struggle with feelings of inadequacy. By focusing on our senses and the wonders of the world, we can cultivate a sense of love for our own existence and find joy in our unique experiences.
In practice
During a mental health awareness event, to encourage self-acceptance.
As for me, I would rather be a worm in a wild apple than a son of man. But we are what we are, and we might remember not to hate any person, for all are vicious; And not to be astonished at any evil, all are deserved; And not to fear death; it is the only way to be cleansed.
Nature knows that people are a tide that swells and in time will ebb, and all their works dissolve ... As for us: We must uncenter our minds from ourselves. We must unhumanize our views a little and become confident as the rock and ocean that we are made from.
Poetry is not a civilizer, rather the reverse, for great poetry appeals to the most primitive instincts.
I've changed my ways a little, I cannot now Run with you in the evenings along the shore, Except in a kind of dream, and you, if you dream a moment, You see me there.
You making haste on decay: not blameworthy; life is good, be it stubbornly long or suddenly A mortal splendor: meteors are not needed less than mountains: shine, perishing republic.
Death's a fierce meadowlark: but to die having made / Something more equal to the centuries / Than muscle and bone, is mostly to shed weakness.
Faith is a fine invention When gentlemen can see, But microscopes are prudent In an emergency.
Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
I am the kind of person who does not like to carry baggage. In fact, I don't go back and listen to my own music. I believe in closing chapters and moving forward. That's what gives me peace.
Patience asks us to live the moment to the fullest, to be completely present to the moment, to taste the here and now, to be where we are. When we are impatient we try to get away from where we are. We behave as if the real thing will happen tomorrow, later, and somewhere else. Let's be patient and trust that the treasure we look for is hidden in the ground on which we stand.
I consider looseness with words no less of a defect than looseness of the bowels.
No one is so miserable as the poor person who maintains the appearance of wealth.
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