Tag Archives: Poetry

“To An Athlete Dying Young” by A.E. Housman

The benefits of living a short life

Alfred Edward Housman’s poem “To an Athlete Dying Young” was published in 1896. Housman was a professor of Latin at the University of London and, finally, at Cambridge. His sad, pessimistic poems spoke to a generation on the brink of … Continue reading

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“Death Sets a Thing Significant” by Emily Dickinson

A poem about cherishing what our loved ones leave behind

Even if you’re not a huge fan of poetry, you’ve most likely heard of mid-19th century poet Emily Dickinson. Born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson spent most of her life completely isolated from the outside world. Her work was … Continue reading

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Traditional Scottish Farewell Song “The Parting Glass” Hits A Heart Note At Funerals

Toast a loved one goodbye with a sweet melody

The traditional Scottish farewell song “The Parting Glass” is best paired with a loved one’s favorite drink and some warm-hearted company. Before Robert Burns wrote “Auld Lang Syne” — a tune still greatly favored to say goodbye to the year … Continue reading

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“Try to Praise the Mutilated World” by Adam Zagajewski

Funeral poem finds something to celebrate in the hardest of times

“Try to Praise the Mutilated World” (2002) by Polish poet Adam Zagajewski resonates with his characteristic themes of night; dreams; history and time; infinity and eternity; silence and death. By facing the world’s sorrow with clear eyes, yet turning again … Continue reading

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“I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief…For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”

- Wendell Berry
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“The Radiance Sutras” translated by Lorin Roche, Ph.D



New translation of ancient yogic text contains universal meditations for deep living

The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra — recently translated by Lorin Roche, Ph.D. as “The Radiance Sutras: 112 Gateways to the Yoga of Wonder and Delight,” has no known date of origin or author, though it originates from the land we know today … Continue reading

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