aliveness

In the end

you won’t be known

for the things you did

or what you built,

or what you said.

You won’t even be known

for the love given

or the hearts saved,

because in the end you won’t be known.

You won’t be asked, by a vast creator full of light:

What did you do to be known?

You will be asked: Did you know it,

this place, this journey?

What there is to know can’t be written.

Something between crispness of air

And glint in her eye

And texture of the orange peel.

What you’ll want a thousand years from now is this:

A memory that beats like a heart—

A travel memory, of what it was like to walk here,

alive and warm and textured within.

Sweet brightness, aliveness, take-me-now-ness that is life.

You are here to pay attention. That is enough.

-Tara Sophia Mohr

Today, as we continue to savor the moments, we encourage you to pay attention through your lens. Share a thought, a word, an image where you're focused on this  "sweet brightness, aliveness, take-me-now-ness that is life."

...........

In the End is one of the poems featured in Your Other Names, the new book of poetry by Tara Sophia Mohr. She is graciously giving away a copy of her exquisite book today. All you have to do is leave a comment between now and midnight tonight EST (12/5).

For more information about Tara, visit her website. And for more information about her book visit the Your Other Names web page. We'd like to thank Tara for sharing In the End with us here, just as she shared a poem with us almost a year ago. It's always pleasure to have her.

Comments

[Kim B.]

Beautiful poem. I was touched.

[Marina D-K]

Beautiful. Hit very close to home having lost a loved one very recently...thank you

[Marcie]

Here's my 'savored' moment - both in word..and in image:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/12/4/a-silent-pause.html

And - what a beautiful poem by Tara!!! So very inspiring.,,,

[xanthe]

Gosh, that is beautiful.... wonderful start to a Monday x.

[Ana Eugenio]

I started my week paying attention :) so serendipitous! http://dreamyproject.blogspot.com/2011/12/view-from-here.html

[Veronica M.]

I love that, "A memory that beats like a heart" , "you are here to pay attention". I love this poem. A very nice choice for this season and for a Monday!

[anngeedee]

I love that line - "You are here to pay attention." I think that's what my camera helps me do. I'd love to read more of what she has written. I'm sure it's all beautiful.

[Juju]

I zeroed in on that last line, too. It's like a news flash from the cosmos. "You are here to pay attention. That is enough." Yes, because if we pay attention, then everything else we need to do will follow. How can you not love a line like that? Thanks for introducing me to a new poet!

[Jenny]

Such a beautiful reminder...here is my image to savor
http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshohemlock/5324160791/in/set-72157625747795346/

[chelle]

what a beautiful poet, i'd love to read some more..

by the lake, savoring the wind on a rough day

'we are here to pay attention'

http://www.flickr.com/photos/magnetisedbylife/6459410741/in/photostream

[Gotta Run]

wow, what a n incredibly thought-provoking poem. thank you for sharing it with us.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gottarun2009/6092390209/in/set-72157627535058945

[Rambling Heather]

What a lovely poem!! I'd love to win that book. Thanks for these inspiring posts and words. Today I will savor the moments!

[Kate]

Wow, such a Monday morning treat, thank you for sharing!

[Mary]

I love the poem. After an emotionally tough 2011, I have been focusing on what is enough and paying attention

[melissa]

tracey and tara together...what bliss. thank you for the exquisite and generous offering.

[Alexis Yael]

Here is my paying attention from yesterday: http://www.alexis-yael.com/2011/12/believe.html

[sarah]

i needed that reminder: pay attention, that is enough.
thank you.

[marina]

thank you for this poem and this post, they are so welcome!
and the last line, "You are here to pay attention. That is enough.", is one I would like to keep with me. it feels like it opens up my heart.
I have gone over to Tara's site and read few more poems, they are amazing! and with yours and other wonderful photographers images, wow!!!
thank you for this chance to win such a wonderful book!

[Kendra]

Wow, "Your Other Names". Nothing rings more true to me. I have had many names and have often thought the one given to me was so limited to describe who I am. I've had several in my life, for different groups and different times. Interesting. I will certainly be looking for her book.

[Andrea]

Oh my gosh! That poem really touched me- I am putting this book on my Christmas list! (unless I get lucky, that is!) :-) here's an image where I really focused on life's "take-me-now-ness"...

It may look like just a leaf to some people, but when I was seeing it, I was breathless:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifelovelittlethings/6274370541/in/photostream

[Anna]

Lovely poem! I'm paying attention, savoring the moment of finishing some creative studio projects.

http://vandemarkdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/12/finish-line.html

[Lee Ann]

Gorgeous. Thank you xo

[Amelia]

this is beautiful, love it

[carolann]

beautifully written words; and yes, pay attention. pay close attention.

[Val Curtis]

So perfect for seeing 2011 out. That was my thought as I took this photo today. It is completely unedited. It was just this amazing.

http://www.mental-chew.com/2011/12/hello-winter.html

[Anna Dykema]

words to live by. thank you. :)

[Libertad Leal]

Oh what a gloriously beautiful poem. The last sentence made me think long and hard. It is so very true. Here is my image, in which I am savoring every messy, chaotic, imperfect but delicious and alive minute of decorating the Christmas tree with my daughters. A self portrait part of my "Everyday Mother" series:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertadleal/6460516607

[Laura]

That poem is so beautiful and oh so true. I never get tired of the reminder to pay attention and relish right here, right now.

[Tammy Lee Bradley]

Wonderful poem. This is the reason I focus my lens on capturing the quiet beauty of everyday moments. xo tam

[Holly {Soupatraveler}]

Love that girl...she's got the best mind, the best heart, and the best things to say. Wish i coulda gone to her retreat in San Fran right after camp! Here's a moment that was pretty awesome: http://www.flickr.com/photos/soupatraveler/6462661501/

[Chelsea]

What a touching poem I love it

[Heather]

Still savoring the winter light while it lasts.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/heather-cox/6462328219/in/photostream thank you for the poem, I loved it.

[Shelley]

Wow, if we could all take these words to heart. Can't wait to read more, thank you for introducing us.

[hillary]

tara's poem takes my breath away!

[Julia Perry]

perfect. exactly where i am today. tara, thank you.

[Betty Thompson]

Amen- we are here to pay attention spiritually and emotionally surfing and thriving!

[Betty Thompson]

**SURVIVING** although surfing would be fun too! ; )

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[Andrea]

Beautiful words. Simply beautiful.

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