I remember being nineteen and in Rome, studying art and history. I remember reading a little golden book by Rainer Maria Rilke called Letters to a Young Poet. Kristin was in grad school, and she was a fine mentor to me–giving me careful books to read and hope to push into heart.
I remember these words in Rilke’s letter seven. They have shaped what I understand as amore and the infinite importance of growing the borders of my solitude.
“Love…consists in this, that two solitudes protect and border and salute each other.” (translated from German by M.D.H. Norton)
And there, somewhere between Trastevere and Monte Verde, as I had decidedly fallen for a boy back in America who would not fall for me, I decided to never fear being alone.
that is like a little golden book on life. i’m feelin ya.
“to never fear being alone”….
speak it to me nel. : )
i love you so much. thank you for your voice mail. What is your address? i want to communicate in writing. i felt covered today in God’s love. my heart is okay. which is surprising but wonderful.
i like you very much. these posts are lovely. i like to learn about what you remember. i like to think i knew you then and laughed with you and listened to these songs with you and traveled with you… but its okay, there are beautiful memories for us just waiting in the future!!!
<3 ddddd