Poems by Evangeline Paterson

I was at a workshop on Saturday where the leader shared this poem by Evangeline Paterson. I loved this poem.  It really spoke to me about how life feels sometimes.  

The water that I live in

is full of piranha
and it doesn't do
to have a bleeding heart
in this locality.
Please God
get me out of this water
or give me a shell
or teeth...
Just don't leave me here
with nothing
but the conviction
that piranha
are all God's children too. 

Another wonderful poem by Evangeline Paterson.  I think Evangeline is becoming my favorite poet.  Unfortunately her books of poetry are out of print. 


I used to think   —   loving life so greatly   —  
That to die would be like leaving a party
Before the end.
Now I know that the party is really happening
Somewhere else;
That the light and the music   —
Escaping in snatches to make the pulse beat and the tempo quicken   —
Come from a long way away.
And I know too that when I get there
The music will never end.

—   Evangeline Paterson