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One of my favorite poets, David Whyte, introduced me
to this poem in the year 2000, when he spoke to the International Coach
Federation Annual Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia. He later
incorporated this poem, along with his marvelous interpretation, in his book, Crossing
the Unknown Sea (pp. 113-138).
The Swan
a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, translated by Robert Bly
Crossing
the Unknown Sea
This clumsy living that moves lumbering
as if in ropes through what is not done,
reminds us of the awkward way the swan walks.
And to die, which is the letting go
of the ground we stand on and cling to every day,
is like the swan, when he nervously lets himself down
into the water, which receives him gaily
and which flows joyfully under
and after him, wave after wave,
while the swan, unmoving and marvelously calm,
is pleased to be carried, each moment more fully grown,
more like a king, further and further on.
Coaching Inquiries: How is your life moving
right now? Are you lumbering or flowing gracefully? Where is your elemental
water? What environment would help you to thrive?
If you want to explore these questions
further, use the Contact Form or
Email Us to arrange for a
complementary coaching session.
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Bob Tschannen-Moran
LifeTrek Coaching International
121 Will Scarlet Lane
Williamsburg, VA 23185-5043
U.S.A.
Telephone: 757-345-3452
Fax: 772-382-3258
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