Ascension Mission

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what 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 get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.

Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems, William Stafford (Graywolf Press, 2014)

Writing Prompts

Read this poem two to three times, slowly. Then, explore one or both of the following writing prompts:

• What is this poem calling you to be or to do?
• Set a timer for 5 minutes (click here for an optional writing timer) and engage in the practice of free writing: try not to worry about what to write, just let the pen move and trust the process of writing.