Tapestry of Faith: Building the World We Dream About: An Anti-racism Multicultural Program

Leader Resource 3: The Way It Is

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 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.

(William Stafford, "The Way It Is," from The Way It Is: New and Selected Poems. Copyright (C) 1998 by the Estate of William Stafford. Reprinted with the permission of Graywolf Press, Minneapolis, Minnesota.)