Pause for Peace: Let Them Not Say

Episode TitleMidweek Pause for Peace: "Let Them Not Say" by Jane HirshfieldEpisode DescriptionWelcome to another episode of Midweek Pause for Peace with Laura Davis. In this weekly series, Laura pairs stunning images from nature with carefully chosen poetry to offer listeners a moment of reflection and restoration for both heart and nervous system.This week, Laura features the profound and urgent poem "Let Them Not Say" by award-winning poet Jane Hirshfield. This powerful piece explores themes of witnessing, collective responsibility, and the courage required to face difficult truths rather than turning away.Featured Poem"Let Them Not Say" by Jane HirshfieldFrom the collection "Ledger: Poems" (2020)Key Themes ExploredThe importance of bearing witness to difficult realitiesOvercoming the impulse to look away from pain and sufferingCollective responsibility and shared experienceThe tension between beauty and destructionFinding light and warmth even in challenging circumstancesAbout the PoetJane Hirshfield is a celebrated American poet, essayist, and translator with an impressive literary career spanning decades. Her accolades include:Author of ten poetry collections, including the National Book Award-longlisted "The Beauty" (2015)Finalist for the PEN USA Poetry Award for "Come, Thief" (2011)National Book Critics Award finalist for "Given Sugar, Given Salt" (2001)Author of influential essay collections including "Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry" and "Ten Windows: How Great Poems Transform the World"Translator and editor of significant works featuring historical poets, including "The Ink Dark Moon" and "The Heart of Haiku"Episode HighlightsLaura's reflection on why this poem resonates in our current momentThe power of poetry to help process difficult emotions and experiencesHow nature imagery can provide grounding during challenging timesThe role of witness and testimony in creating meaning from struggleAbout Midweek Pause for PeaceMidweek Pause for Peace is Laura Davis's regular series designed to provide listeners with a moment of calm and reflection in the middle of busy weeks. Each episode combines the healing power of nature imagery with carefully selected poetry, creating space for both emotional processing and nervous system regulation.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.comSubscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive beautifully curated poems, essays about life and writing, writing tips, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe