There is a thread you follow

The Way It Is

There is a thread you follow.
It goes among things that change.
But it doesn’t change.

People wonder about what
things you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.

While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and grow old.

Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
But you don’t ever let go of the thread.

William Stafford