All of us Need Resilience

Life often demands that we be strong and constant.

I was attracted to this poem at this time in my life because I may be called upon to be like a rock—resilient and strong. I went for my usual annual exam and blood tests. The tests seem to indicate some abnormalities that might be symptomatic of a variety of problems and one prominent suspicion is cancer. At age 81, I have no sense of panic. However, it is never pleasant to contemplate a serious illness, especially one that might or might not be terminal. So, I present this poem with the caveat that everyone is vulnerable because that is the nature of life.

The Rock in the Sea

by Henry Ames Blood

They say that yonder rock once towered

Upon a wide and grassy plain,

Lord of the land, until the sea

Usurped his green domain:

Yet now remembering the fair scene

Where once he reigned without endeavor,

The great rock in the ocean stands

And battles with the waves for ever.

How oft, O rock, must visit thee

Sweet visions of the ancient calm.

All amorous with birds and bees,

And odorous with balm!

Ah me, the terrors of the time

When the grim, wrinkled sea advances,

And winds and waves with direful cries

Arouse thee from thy happy trances!

To no soft tryst they waken thee,

No sunny scene of perfect rest,

But to the raging sea's vanguard

Thundering against thy breast:

No singing birds are round thee now,

But the wild wind, the roaring surges,

And gladly would they hurl thee down

And mock thee in eternal dirges.

But be it thine to conquer them;

And may thy firm enduring form

Still frown upon the hurricane,

Still grandly front the storm:

And while the tall ships come and go,

And come and go the generations,

May thy proud presence yet remain

A wonder unto all the nations.

Sometime, perchance, O lonely rock,

Thou may'st regain thine ancient seat,

May'st see once more the meadow shine,

And hear the pasture bleat:

But ah, methinks even then thy breast

Would stir and yearn with fond emotion,

To meet once more in glorious war

The roaring cohorts of the ocean.

Henry Ames Blood, a renowned poet known for his profound exploration of human experiences, penned the poem 'The Rock in the Sea.' This masterpiece encapsulates rock's enduring, unyielding nature amidst the relentless forces of the sea. It vividly portrays resilience and steadfastness in the face of constant, often tumultuous change.

The rock, symbolizing strength and constancy, stands unyielding against the ceaseless waves. Blood's imagery evokes awe at the rock's ability to withstand the powerful forces of the sea and a deep admiration for its beauty and resilience. The rock, an anchor, remains a steadfast presence in a world in constant flux. It does not waver or erode; instead, it stands as a silent, solitary witness to the passage of time and the ever-changing nature of the sea, a testament to the beauty of resilience in the face of adversity.

The sea, a symbol of life's dynamic and unpredictable elements, is powerful, beautiful, and sometimes violent. It continuously shapes and reshapes the world. Despite its immense strength, the sea cannot move the rock. This relationship between the rock and the sea, where the rock symbolizes resilience and the sea represents life's challenges, is a metaphor for human endurance and the ability to remain grounded despite the challenges and changes that life brings, a testament to the power of resilience.

Blood's language is both lyrical and poignant, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the forces that shape them. For instance, the rock's unwavering presence in the poem's narrative reminds readers of the inner strength and resilience that lie within each individual. It encourages a sense of calm and stability, even when faced with the most formidable adversities, as depicted in the lines.

Essentially, 'The Rock in the Sea' is a tribute to the enduring spirit of resilience. It speaks to the power of standing firm in one's beliefs and values, regardless of external pressures. Blood's poem resonates deeply, offering a timeless message about the strength and substance found within the human spirit.

Resilience, as depicted in 'The Rock in the Sea, 'is the ability to adapt to and recover from adversity, challenges, and stress. It is a critical trait that helps individuals, communities, and systems withstand and bounce back from difficult situations. In personal contexts, resilience can help individuals overcome personal setbacks and maintain mental well-being. In communal contexts, resilience can foster a sense of unity and collective strength, as seen in communities recovering from natural disasters. In societal contexts, resilience can contribute to economies and social systems' long-term stability and well-being.

One powerful example of resilience is the way communities cope with natural disasters. For instance, in the aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, communities unite to rebuild their homes, restore services, and support one another emotionally. This collective effort to recover and improve despite the destruction shows resilience and fosters a strong sense of unity and community, a testament to the power of resilience in bringing people together in the face of adversity.

Another example of resilience is in personal experiences of overcoming illness or injury. Consider a person who has suffered a severe injury that limits their physical abilities. Through sheer determination, rehabilitation, and the unwavering support of healthcare professionals and loved ones, they may gradually regain their strength and adapt to new circumstances. Adjusting to physical limitations, learning new skills, and maintaining a positive outlook exemplify personal resilience and inspire those around them.