The Way It Is

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 old and die
   and you suffer and get old.

Nothing you do can stop
   time unfolding
You don't ever let go
   of the thread.

-  William Stafford