W.B. Yeats, as read by our favorite voice artist.
This poem has lingered on the periphery of my awareness for quite a long time. And each time I read it, it seems to hold a different meaning for me.
Last night, when I sat down to record it, it seem to say: look around you right now, past admiring glances, and notice the one who loves you when you are not graceful or beautiful or even particularly nice. The one who actually loves you.
That’s a tremendous gift— to be loved for who you truly are. I don’t mean in the fictional way where a self-loathing person who’s actually all things wonderful suddenly realizes that they are loved by someone despite damage they aren’t even responsible for.
No. I’m talking about someone who sees all the beauty and goodness in you…and also sees the ugliness,the mean moments, the pettiness, the guilt, the shame, the defensiveness—whatever is in there (that we all have to some degree)—and takes it as part of you.
That person? Cherish that person if you are fortunate enough to have one in your life. Honor their gift.
I am so incredibly blessed that I do have such a person in my life. And I thank Lee F. for suggesting this poem this week because it’s a poignant and timely reminder to value, cherish and honor the gift he gives me with his love.
Originally published at Going Public.