A Center

Today's piece, shared by Jane Torres-Lavoro, is by Chinese-American poet Ha Jin, the distinguished recipient of a PEN/Faulkner award and a PEN/Hemingway award. It's a simple, elegant poem about staying centered and adjusting to a new normal with grace.

No further ado.

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A Center

by Ha Jin

You must hold your quiet center,
where you do what only you can do.
If others call you a maniac or a fool,
just let them wag their tongues.
If some praise your perseverance,
don't feel too happy about it—
only solitude is a lasting friend.

You must hold your distant center.
Don't move even if earth and heaven quake.
If others think you are insignificant,
that's because you haven't held on long enough.
As long as you stay put year after year,
eventually you will find a world
beginning to revolve around you.