Ever catch your thoughts wandering like a lazy river? William Stafford did—and he turned that gentle drift into a poetic meditation on stillness, nature, and the beauty of simply being.
Just Thinking
William Stafford
Got up on a cool morning. Leaned out a window.
No cloud, no wind. Air that flowers held
for awhile. Some dove somewhere.
Been on probation most of my life. And
the rest of my life been condemned. So these moments
count for a lot—peace, you know.
Let the bucket of memory down into the well,
bring it up. Cool, cool minutes. No one
stirring, no plans. Just being there.
This is what the whole thing is about.
How did this poem make you feel?
- 🌿 Spiritual and serene
- 😏 Witty and lighthearted
- 💡 Thoughtful and wise