Poem by Kahlil Gibran ~ The Prophet ~ on Marriage

Kahlil Gibran - The Prophet ~ Marriage

This excerpt from the beautiful book, “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran, is I think a very accurate and wise observation of marriage.  I have become aware since following the Cura Romana protocol that the changes in me are also affecting aspects of my relationship/marriage.  It is, to be honest, quite a challenge because the realisation I have of being more ‘in tune’ with myself, is perhaps not very easy to understand for my husband and family.

In some respects, some of what is happening to me could be perceived as selfish?  I don’t know … all I know is that I feel that I do have to devote time to myself, having spent years putting everyone else first.

That does require some ‘space’ to breathe, as it were.  Don’t know how many of my fellow Cura Romana followers will agree with this?  It’ll be interesting to hear your comments.

On Marriage

Kahlil Gibran

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

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Remembering my wonderful mum today …..

Today is quite a strange one really.  Outside, the sun is beating down from an aqua sky and it really is the most perfect early Summer day.  Today, one year ago my mother died in a hospice in Bristol.  She had been fighting an incredibly courageous battle against cancer, and somehow maintained her wonderful sense of humour throughout.

I love this photograph of her, taken in our garden … she looked really happy, although this was prior to me treating her to a visit to the hairdresser, which was a disaster!  This photograph captures her so well though.  I can thank her for so much that she taught me and for giving me the best belly-aching laughs imaginable!

I miss her so very much … far more than I have adequate vocabulary to express.  Apart from taking this giant leap to change aspects of my life that I know really need addressing, and doing it for ‘ME’, I am also making these changes because I know my mum would have thoroughly approved.

I also have a beautiful daughter who is 16 years old today and we have an important birthday to celebrate with her.  So, perhaps you can see what I mean about it being a ‘strange’ day … one of real contrasts of emotion.  Thank goodness for the deep sense and faith that my mum is in a beautiful place and is always going to be with me.

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