Virtual Open Microphone

[Julie Smith]

My dear OSLIST friends ~

A year or so ago I told you I had collected the writings from this list
from the period of time just prior to and following September 11. I
created a book from these writings titled A Partial Diary of the
Collective Buddha. I added a few graphics here and there, blessed it
with a spiral binding and plastic cover, and made several copies to give
those who asked for it. I now keep my copy in a place of honor on my
dresser. It is among my most cherished possessions. I want to share a
poem from that book with you.

The first time we saw these words, they weren't a poem. They were
written as beautiful and powerful prose by our very own Agneta
Setterwall. Reading her words the first time brought tears to my eyes
because she expressed so courageously a fear so many of us experience.

The rest of this story concerns florian, who quite unexpectedly and
magically rearranged Agneta's original prose to reveal the poetry
within. The combination of Agneta's vulnerability and courage and
florian's kindness and wisdom make this poem memorable to me. I love
this poem.  Julie


Agneta's Poem

I have until now been
One of the silent readers of this list.
It is so scary to take the risk
and step foreward,
to step into the ring
and show the vulnurability.

I sometimes think of it
as a paradox that I,
so conscious of how
dangerous groups could be,
have chosen to work with groups
and again and again
taking that risks.

I have to fight the "who am I to..."
and the inner demand
that it should be
so very very important
and clever and special
and... and... So, now

I take the risk to talk
in your presence,
which I can feel.
I am so glad that you all exist!
I have to send this quick
now, before the inner judges get me.

Agneta Setterwall

*
*
==========================================================
OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
------------------------------
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu,
Visit:

http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html