T.S. Eliot has always been one of my favourite poets. From an early age, his poetry spoke to me, unlike any other words on paper. In fact, he was the first person, who taught me that words on paper can invoke not only a feeling, but an experience. As a person who always gravitated towards visual art, things like writing and poetry never really struck me as "Art".
However, as I age, and as I get more involved with writing, I am completely overjoyed to find an 'art' that I finally have a feel and passion for. Plus it's easier to silence my internal critic when I write, rather than painting. My internal painting critic tends to be a nasty troll. ha ha.
So, back to the quote...
It came to me today, as I was having a conversation with a close friend.
The conversation was about friendships, and communication.
The reason this conversation inspired me, was, it wasn't the first time the friendship topic came up this week.
Earlier this week, I admitted to a friend, that I have realized that our conversations have been a tad one sided, and I was the one usually venting or sharing... The amazing thing about this friend, is that she called me on it. She agreed, and didn't let me get away with it! Sure, it's tough to hear, but in the end, it helps me become more cognisant of my shortcomings, and the things I need to work on in the quest to become a better friend.
The other conversation was a bit different, in that, it didn't directly involve me, but the theme of being a more thoughtful friend was again coming to the surface.
Which brings me to a reminder for myself...
Friendships are not fixed things that just have formed, and that's it. They are not pieces of art, that have been created, and once they have, no longer need attention or care.
It is so so easy to take for granted our friendships, when we get caught up in our own busy busy worlds.
Friendships are like relationships - they require care, communication, and empathy.
Sometimes, the hardest hurdles to overcome in a friendship, actually strengthen and form bonds that you never thought were possible. ... and in those times, you just may learn things about yourself, and about the other person.
Sure, we all have people float in and out of our busy lives... it may even, at times feel like a revolving door of people in and out of your life...
But true and wonderful friends are rare and amazing to find, and like any living thing.. need care, love and patience to maintain.
In the end though, it's 100% worth it.
Amen, on many points.
ReplyDeleteI've also been a long time fan of T.S. Eliot, but I went for the classic "The Hollow Men."
Funny enough - The Hollow Men is actually my favourite poem from him.
ReplyDeleteActually, my favourite poem ever.
...and the meaning behind it was taught to me by a very very painfully hot 28 year old teacher, who was brilliant. Talk about motivation.