One of my favorite poems, and certainly my favorite American poet.
The Waking
– Theodore Roethke
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go….
etc.
Hello,
I get a google alert on Theodore Roethke because I have written a one man show about his emotional and creative life called”Conjuring the Garden Master”. I am a professional actor with serious film, TV and theater credits (search my name at the IMDB for a partial list of credits) and I performed my show at Roethke’s centennial at Saginaw Valley State University a year ago.William Heyen, National Book Award finalist for poetry for his “Shoah Train” poems said of that performance and my play: “RIchard Fitzpatrick’s moving and memorable tribute to Theodore Roethke is stunning….honed, honest, balanced,inspired, the worl of a great actor who understands a great poet with all his heart and mind”.
My play runs approximately 90 minutes and incorporates many of Roethke’s poems including “Thw Waking” which I also see as one of his best and as central to his philosophy and art.
I am currently looking for new venues to perform my show and have several good possiblities in the works. I would be pleased to talk with you further about this enterprise.
Richard Fitzpatrick