Walk boldly my sister but do not deign to give. Remain secure from pain preserve thy hate thy heart. -- "To My Sister"

Sometimes the blood is privileged to guess The things the eye or hand cannot possess. -- "The Signals"

I hate my epidermal dress, The savage blood's obscenity, The rags of my anatomy, And willingly would I dispense With false accouterments of sense, To sleep immodestly, a most Incarnadine and carnal ghost. -- "Epidermal Macabre"

This urge, wrestle, resurrection of dry sticks, Cut stems struggling to put down feet, What saint strained so much, Rose on such lopped limbs to a new life? I can hear, underground, that sucking and sobbing, In my veins, in my bones I feel it, -- The small waters seeping upward, The tight grains parting at last. When sprouts break out, Slippery as fish, I quail, lean to beginnings, sheath-wet. -- "Cuttings (later)"

Kiss me, kiss me quick, mistress of lost wisdom, Come out of a cloud, angel with several faces, Bring me my hat, my umbrella and rubbers, Enshroud me with Light! O Whirling! O Terrible Love! -- "Last Words"

Such music in a skin! A bird sings in the bush of your bones. -- "Give Way, Ye Gates"

I'll seek my own meekness. What grace I have is enough. The lost have their own pace. The stalks ask something else. What the grave says, The nest denies. In their harsh thickets The dead thrash. They help. -- "Unfold! Unfold!"

The body and the soul know how to play In that dark world where gods have lost their way. -- "Four for Sir John Davies"

Ghost cries out to ghost -- But who's afraid of that? I fear those shadows most That start from my own feet. -- "The Surly One"

The moon draws back its waters from the shore. By the lake's edge, I see a silver swan, And she is what I would. In this light air, Lost opposites bend down -- Sing of that nothing of which all is made, Or listen into silence, like a god. -- "The Swan"

I saw a young snake glide Out of the mottled shade And hang, limp on a stone: A thin mouth, and a tongue Stayed, in the still air. It turned; it drew away; Its shadow bent in half; It quickened, and was gone. I felt my slow blood warm. I longed to be that thing, The pure, sensuous form. And I may be, some time. -- "Snake"

Who would know the dawn When there's a dazzling dark behind the sun? -- "The Dying Man"

The edges of the summit still appall When we brood on the dead or the beloved; Nor can imagination do it all In this last place of light: he dares to live Who stops being a bird, yet beats his wings Against the immense immeasurable emptiness of things. -- "The Dying Man"

By swoops of bird, by leaps of fish, I live. My shadow steadies in a shifting stream; I live in the air; the long light is my home; I dare caress the stones, the field my friend; A light wind rises: I become the wind. -- "Her Becoming"

How comprehensive that felicity!... A body with the motion of a soul. What dream's enough to breathe in? A dark dream. The rose exceeds, the rose exceeds us all. Who'd think the moon could pare itself so thin? A great flame rises from the sunless sea; The light cries out, and I am there to hear -- -- "The Longing"

I, who came back from the depths laughing too loudly, Become another thing; My eyes extend beyond the farthest bloom of the waves; I lose and find myself in the long water; I am gathered together once more; I embrace the world. -- "The Long Waters"

Is the body but a motion in a shoe? -- "The Tranced"

What's madness but nobility of soul At odds with circumstance? -- "In a Dark Time"

A dark theme keeps me here, Though summer blazes in the vireo's eye. Who would be half possessed By his own nakedness? Waking's my care -- I'll make a broken music, or I'll die. -- "In Evening Air"

I feel the autumn fail -- all that slow fire Denied in me, who has denied desire. -- "The Sequel"

I read Theodore Roethke's "My Papa's Waltz" and was truly captivated by it.

This poem offers a unique perspective that引发了 many different interpretations among readers.

Some might see it as a tender and affectionate portrayal of a father-son relationship, with the waltz symbolizing the connection and playfulness between them.

Others, however, might view it through a more critical lens, perhaps detecting an underlying sense of roughness or even abuse in the father's actions.

The beauty of this poem lies in its ambiguity, allowing each reader to bring their own experiences and emotions to the table.

It makes us question our own perceptions of family, love, and the complex dynamics that exist within.

Roethke's use of vivid imagery and powerful language further enhances the impact of the poem, making it a memorable and thought-provoking piece of literature.

Overall, "My Papa's Waltz" is a remarkable work that continues to resonate with readers, inviting them to explore the depths of their own feelings and relationships.

In elementary school, I purchased a seven-inch Scholastic record filled with scary stories and poems. Among them was a poem titled "The Bat" by Roethke. At that time, I had no idea who the author was. However, I was so captivated by the poem that I memorized it and would recite it at the slightest hint.

When the internet became available, I eagerly Googled the poem and finally discovered the identity of its author. Recently, I made another interesting discovery. The Kurt Elling song "The Waking," which I have always adored, was also based on a Roethke poem. This led me to read more of his works.

To my surprise, I realized that a third poem that I remembered from high school was also by Roethke. Although I don't typically read poetry frequently, I have read the complete works of Frost and most of "Leaves of Grass." I must say that Roethke's poetry is just as good, if not better. It has a unique charm and depth that keeps drawing me in.

OPEN HOUSE - 1941

This was a significant work that likely set the stage for the poet's future endeavors. It might have introduced some of the themes and styles that would later become more prominent in his or her body of work.

THE LOST SON AND OTHER POEMS - 1948

This collection perhaps delved deeper into the poet's exploration of the human condition, with "The Lost Son" being a particularly notable piece. It could have touched on themes of identity, longing, and the search for meaning.

From PRAISE TO THE END! - 1951

The title suggests a celebration or an expression of admiration. Maybe the poems in this collection were filled with positive emotions and a sense of hope for the future.

From WORDS FOR THE WIND - 1958

This work might have had a more ethereal or intangible quality, as if the words were carried away by the wind, perhaps representing the fleeting nature of thoughts and emotions.

From I AM! SAYS THE LAMB - 1961

The use of the lamb as a symbol could imply innocence, purity, or a connection to a higher power. The poems in this collection might have explored these themes in a profound and thought-provoking way.

THE FAR FIELD - 1964

This title evokes a sense of distance and longing. The far field could represent a place that is out of reach, either physically or emotionally, and the poems might have delved into the feelings associated with this longing.

PREVIOUSLY UNCOLLECTED POEMS

These poems offer a unique glimpse into the poet's creative process and the works that were not included in the previous collections. They might have been overlooked or unpublished for various reasons, but now they have the opportunity to be discovered and appreciated by a wider audience.

Favourite poems -

"To my Sister" could be a touching tribute to a beloved family member, filled with warmth and affection.

"Slow Season" might capture the essence of a particular time of year or a period of life when things seem to move at a slower pace.

"For an Amorous Lady" could be a passionate and sensual poem, celebrating the beauty and allure of a woman.

"The Gentle" might describe a person or a quality that is kind, soft, and gentle.

"Double Feature" could have a dual meaning, perhaps referring to two different aspects of life or two different emotions that are交织在一起.

"Bring the day!" could be an expression of hope and anticipation, looking forward to a new day and all the possibilities it holds.

"I knew a Woman" could be a reminiscence of a particular woman who had a significant impact on the poet's life.

"The Sensualists" might explore the theme of sensuality and the pleasures of the body and the senses.

"Love's progress" could trace the journey of love, from its beginnings to its various stages and developments.

"The Longing" could capture the essence of a deep and intense longing for something or someone.

"Her Words" might focus on the power and beauty of a woman's words, perhaps how they can inspire, comfort, or move the listener.

"Wish for a Young Wife" could be a humorous or lighthearted poem, expressing the poet's desires and expectations for a future partner.

"A Rouse for Stevens" could be a tribute or a celebration of the work of another poet, perhaps Wallace Stevens, whose work had a significant influence on the poet.

Roethke's poetry collection from 1941 to 1964 is truly excellent.

As you peruse through the pages of this book, it is fascinating to observe the evolution of his work.

The various poems showcase his growth as a poet, with different styles and themes emerging over the years.

It is a great read that offers a deep insight into Roethke's creative mind and his ability to capture the essence of life and emotions in his words.

Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this collection is definitely worth checking out.

You will be captivated by the beauty and power of Roethke's poetry, and it will leave a lasting impression on you.

So, don't miss out on this wonderful collection and embark on a journey through the world of Roethke's poetry.

My favorite poem so far is "The Waking".

This poem has a profound charm that deeply attracts me. The words seem to dance on the page, creating a vivid and thought-provoking image.

The poet's use of language is masterful, painting a picture of life's journey and the process of self-discovery.

Each line holds a hidden meaning, waiting to be unlocked by the reader.

As I read "The Waking", I am filled with a sense of wonder and inspiration.

It makes me reflect on my own life and the choices I have made.

The poem encourages me to embrace the present moment and to be fully awake to the beauty and complexity of the world around me.

In conclusion, "The Waking" is not just a poem, but a source of wisdom and guidance that will stay with me for a long time.

One of my absolute favorite poets is [poet's name].

His/Her works have always had a profound impact on me. The way he/she uses words to paint vivid pictures and evoke intense emotions is truly remarkable.

Each poem seems to tell a unique story, filled with depth and meaning. Whether it's about love, nature, or the human condition, [poet's name] has a way of capturing the essence of these themes and presenting them in a way that makes me see the world from a different perspective.

I find myself constantly coming back to his/her poems, as they offer a source of inspiration and comfort. The beauty and elegance of the language, combined with the powerful imagery, make [poet's name]'s poetry a joy to read and study.

In conclusion, [poet's name] will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the greatest poets of all time.

Theo Roethke is a man who engages in excessive thinking. Fortunately for us, he has committed his highly poetic thoughts to paper.

You would be astonished by what Roethke deems profound. His words and disrupted rhythms appear to assail his very own ordinary daily existence.

Roethke's poetry is a unique exploration of the human experience. Through his carefully crafted words, he delves into the depths of his own psyche and the world around him.

His work challenges us to look at the seemingly mundane aspects of life in a new light. By presenting his thoughts in a poetic and often fragmented manner, he forces us to engage with his ideas on a deeper level.

Theo Roethke's poetry is a testament to the power of the written word. It allows us to access his innermost thoughts and emotions, and in doing so, gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the world we live in.

I was only familiar with a few of Theodore Roethke's poems, namely "The Waking" and "My Papa's Waltz." However, after delving into his collected works, which consist of approximately two hundred poems, I have been truly impressed by his body of work.

I am aware that the late Jim Harrison, a remarkable poet in his own right, held Roethke in high regard. Perhaps this was because they both shared a profound love for the natural world.

It took me a considerable amount of time to complete this collection as I desired to savor each and every poem. I was also captivated by the growth and maturity in his skill as I read from his first collection, which was published in 1941, all the way to the posthumously published poems in 1965. The long and winding arc of his work is truly a testament to his artistic evolution.

Each poem seems to offer a unique perspective, a new insight into the human condition or the beauty of the natural world. Roethke's use of language is both powerful and evocative, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of the experience he is describing.

Overall, reading Theodore Roethke's collected works has been a truly enriching experience, and I look forward to exploring more of his poetry in the future.

The past few months have been a truly remarkable period for me as I have fallen deeply and passionately in love with poetry, both in the act of writing it and in the joy of reading it. It all began when I first read the poem that I have included below. From the very first lines, I was completely captivated and fell head over heels in love with it.

Interestingly enough, even after devouring the entire collection, that initial poem remained my absolute favorite. However, I must admit that I did enjoy the majority of the works within the collection. There were some truly outstanding pieces that shone like stars, filled with profound emotions and beautiful language.

Of course, not every poem was a masterpiece. There were a few that were a bit less than fantastic, and at times, there was a sense of repetition. But despite these minor flaws, the stand-out pieces more than made up for it and made this collection well worth reading.

One of the most enchanting aspects of many of these poems was the abundance of wonderful nature imagery. It was as if the poets had painted vivid pictures of the natural world with their words, allowing me to lose myself in their beauty and splendor.

Here is the poem that started it all:

OPEN HOUSE

My secrets cry aloud.
I have no need for tongue.
My heart keeps open house,
My doors are widely swung.
An epic of the eyes
My love, with no disguise.

My truths are all foreknown,
This anguish self-revealed.
I'm naked to the bone,
With nakedness my shield.
Myself is what I wear:
I keep the spirit spare.

This anger will endure,
The deed will speak the truth
In language strict and pure.
I stop the lying mouth:
Rage warps my clearest cry
To witless agony.

My favorite poet is, without a doubt, an absolute master of the written word.

His way with words is truly stunning, capable of captivating readers and transporting them to different worlds with just a few lines.

Some of my personal favorite poems of his include "Reply to a Lady Editor", which offers a unique perspective on the relationship between the poet and the editor.

"Elegy for Jane" is a beautiful and poignant tribute to a lost loved one, filled with emotions that resonate deeply.

"My Papa’s Waltz" paints a vivid picture of a father-son relationship, while "The Geranium" and "The Saginaw Song" explore themes of nature and human connection.

I am completely obsessed with his work, and I find myself constantly returning to his poems to discover new meanings and appreciate the beauty of his language.

He is truly a remarkable poet, and I feel privileged to have discovered his work.

**"I Take My Wakings Slow" - A Thoughtful Reflection**

I Take My Wakings Slow is a beautiful and profound piece that invites us to pause and consider the nature of our awakenings.

It makes us think about how we approach each new day, whether we rush through it or take the time to truly experience and appreciate it.

The idea of taking our wakings slow implies a sense of mindfulness and intentionality.

Rather than simply going through the motions, we are actively engaging with the world around us.

We notice the little details, the sounds, the colors, and the feelings that might otherwise pass us by.

This poem encourages us to embrace the present moment and to find joy and meaning in the simplest of things.

It reminds us that life is not just about the destination, but also about the journey.

By taking our wakings slow, we can make the most of each day and create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for ourselves.

So, the next time you wake up, consider taking a moment to slow down and truly wake up to the beauty and wonder of the world around you.