[net.nlang.india] Immigration, living abroad... A poem by Adrienne Rich.

prem@eagle.UUCP (Swami Devanbu) (03/19/85)

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The following is a poem  by the  feminist poet A. Rich, quoted with
gusto and without permission:


	PROSPECTIVE IMMIGRANTS PLEASE NOTE.

Either you will
go through this door
or you will not go through.

If you go through
there is always the risk
of remembering your name.

Things look at you doubly
and you must look back 
and let them happen.

If you do not go through
it is possible 
to live worthily
				
To maintain your attitudes
to hold your position
to die bravely

but much will evade you
much will blind you
and what cost who knows ?

but the door itself
makes no promises:
it is only a door.


1962, by Adrienne Rich.

from  "Snapshots of a Daughter-in-law", 1963.