Wisdom and Thoughts to Ponder

August 2008

DOORWAYS OF OPPORTUNITY

Oftentimes we are faced with an opportunity that may seem challenging at first. We have dreams and desires but are not sure if we should proceed in the direction our heart is calling. Take a few moments to read through Adrienne Rich's poem below. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. What line in the poem calls to you? Where do you find yourself in this description of possibility? You might want to read the poem a second time. Then use the writing prompts following the poem to deepen your exploration of your own doorways to opportunity.

Prospective Emigrants, Please Take Note

Either you will
go through this door
or you will not go through.
If you go through
there is always the risk
of remembering your name.
Things look at you doubly
and you must look back
and let it happen.
If you do not go through
it is possible
to live worthily
to maintain your attitudes
to hold your position
to die bravely
but much will blind you,
much will evade you,
at what cost who knows?
The door itself
makes no promises.
It is only a door.

• What are the thresholds or doorways in your life?
• What is your name? What are the risks of 'remembering' it?
• Name the things that you must look back on.
• What is the cost of not going through the door?
• Describe the rewards awaiting you if you do go through the door.
• Name some of the attitudes you want to maintain? What are the attitudes you are ready to let go?
• Write a story about a time when you took a risk, or a time when there was no promise of success.

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Past poems and writing prompts can be found in our Wisdom Archive.

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