In This

The drop of a glass brings us running 

but we have to climb to see the view. 

In this, the vow to love: to be there 

when we break and to never stop 

climbing. 

And to enter the vastness, side by 

side, is like walking through a 

forest at dawn. 

And listening to each other squawk, 

again and again, is to stand firm 

before the waterfall of trouble. 

Day in and out, we share the over- 

whelm and the emptiness. All this, 

while watching you and our dog 

sleep as the furnace hums. 

A Question to Walk With: In conversation with a friend or trusted loved one, explore your own experience of overwhelm, wonder, and emptiness. What does each offer and how do they differ? 

This is from my book of poems in progress, Elsewhere. 

You can follow Mark on Facebook and Instagram.  

For more information about Mark’s books and upcoming events, visit MarkNepo.com and ThreeIntentions.com.  

Information about his upcoming webinars, can be found at Live.MarkNepo.com. 

This is the first official event for Mark Nepo’s new book, Falling Down and Getting Up: Discovering Your Inner Resilience and Strength (St. Martin’s Essentials, September 6, 2023). Joining Mark is his publisher and editor, Joel Fotinos. We hope you enjoy!  (web link) 

Sept 15-17: The Sophia Institute, Charleston, SC, Falling Down and Getting Up — Discovering your Inner Resilience and Strength. (web link) 

Nov 9-12: Santa Sabina Center, San Rafael, CA, Four-Day Retreat, Surviving Storms: Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity. (web link) 

Jan 7-13, 2024: Global Journeys, Guanacaste Costa Rica, Saying Yes to Life: The One Life We’re Given — A Weeklong Retreat. (web link ) 

Feb 5-10, 2024: Modern Elder Academy, Baja, Mexico, Falling Down and Getting Up: Discovering Your Own Resilience and Strength (web link) 

2024-2025 Yearlong Journey: 4 Weekends in Kalamazoo, MI, The One Life We’re Given: Finding the Wisdom That Waits in Your Heart (web link)