Etymologies

Poem No. 225

This week I have two “ologies” for you.

First, an apology:

Mid-September to mid-November is the busiest time of year in my day job. (Yes, I have a day job — I’m not one of those billionaire poets one is always reading about in the tabloids.) (Not yet, anyway…) I meant to include a postscript in my last newsletter, warning that weekly realities may not align with weekly intentions during this time of year. I forgot the postscript, realities manifested, and now I’ve missed two weeks in a row with you. Mea culpa, and I’m sorry for all the bated breath.

Second, an etymology:

This week’s poem was inspired by one of my favorite writerly diversions — investigating the origins of words. A few weeks ago, I happened to look up what I thought were two unrelated English words, at different times on the same day, and learned something that delighted me:

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Etymologies

I learned today
that freedom and friend
share the same root
and the meaning 
of that word 
is love.

I think of this 
as I think of you —
how we keep each other
wild and safe,
grounded and free,
rooted, soaring,

loved.

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I hope this finds you well,
~ A

P.S. — As mentioned, until Nov. 15 or so this newsletter will be more weeklyish than weekly. But I’m still here, poeing away in my poetry workshop, looking forward to the stillness of winter. Thank you for reading and being a part of this adventure, in every season.

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