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Sunday, October 26, 2014

Rashani Réa: "The Unbroken"
























There is a brokenness
out of which comes the unbroken,
a shatteredness
out of which blooms the unshatterable.
There is a sorrow
beyond all grief which leads to joy
and a fragility
out of whose depths emerges strength.
There is a hollow space too vast for words
through which we pass with each loss,
out of whose darkness we are sanctioned into being.
There is a cry deeper than all sound
whose serrated edges cut the heart
as we break open
to the place inside which is unbreakable
and whole
while learning to sing.



"The Unbroken" by Rashani Réa. © Rashani Réa. Presented here by poet submission. As described by the poet: "A poem i wrote in 1991, after the 5th death in my family."

Art credit: Untitled mosaic by Gordon Mandich.

 

8 comments :

  1. unbelievably moving poem. thank you so much.

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  2. Thank you. Powerful, deep, enlightening

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  3. this is more than a poem...it's what I hold on to when I need to reassure myself that I will get better and more together..that i can do it..i share it with other women when they break...it's printed, framed and hanging in my home..it sustains me...Thank you

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  4. I am working on a book for which I have a contract with a publisher, and the theme is using poetry to help heal grief. I would very much like to include this poem and would give all credit to the poet. Can you put me in touch so that I can seek permission? I would be so grateful, and so would the readers...what a moving and powerful poem. Kim

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    1. I'd suggest contacting her through her website. Best wishes for your book!

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  5. I read this wonderful poem during my partner's funeral. It touched many people and gave me hope and comfort. Thank you

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    Replies
    1. I'm sorry for the loss of your partner. I'm glad this poem brought you hope and comfort. Deep peace.

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