The Countdown

In less than one month, I will depart to Mongolia and begin my 27 months of service as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer. I cannot speak to my expectations of adventure, save to say that I know the experience will be my biggest yet, and the excitement that is snowballing as the days pass is the most electric I’ve ever known. I like to think of how the 17-year old version of myself would have viewed this blog as a hopelessly fictional daydream. I hope that wherever life takes me next will seem as surprising to the 21-year old sitting here today.
               
               The Waking

               I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

               I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.

               I learn by going where I have to go.

               We think by feeling. What is there to know?

               I hear my being dance from ear to ear.

               I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

               Of those so close beside me, which are you?

               God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,

               And learn by going where I have to go.

               Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?

               The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;

               I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

               Great Nature has another thing to do

               To you and me; so take the lively air,

               And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

              

               This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.

               What falls away is always. And is near.

               I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

               I learn by going where I have to go.

                             

               -Theodore Roethke