Thursday, June 05, 2025

Poetry Friday: Hayden Carruth, "I Could Take"


Last week I mentioned Wendell Berry's poetic tribute to Hayden Carruth, so this week I'm sharing some Carruth poetics. This one's for Atticus, because we are indeed "two imperfections that match." 


I Could Take
by Hayden Carruth

I could take
two leaves
    and give you one.
Would that not be
a kind of perfection?

But I prefer
one leaf
    torn to give you half
            showing

(after these years, simply)
....

(Read the last few lines here.) 

~~~~~~~~~~

The Poetry Friday round-up this week is being hosted by 

24 comments:

Jan/Bookseedstudio said...

Karen, achingly beautiful to the end. Appreciations!

Buffy Silverman said...

I love that "two imperfections that match," too--such a perfect description of a long love.

elli said...

Karen, I like the image this gives, of marriage as two leaves growing on the same branch … 🕊️

Karen Edmisten said...

Happy to share it, Jan!

Karen Edmisten said...

Right? I think so too. Thanks for stopping by, Buffy, and thanks again for hosting!

Karen Edmisten said...

elli, I'd never read much Hayden Carruth until I posted last week's Berry poem about him. It's been interesting to dig further into his work.

jama said...

Beautiful! The perfection of imperfections. :)

Heidi Mordhorst said...

Mm--and what if the two halves are also perfect, because wholeness is overrated and tricky to achieve? Great selection!

Janice Scully said...

My husband and I are definitely two imperfections that match. Imperfections are often what endears us to those we love. Love this poem and the image of torn leaves.

Karen Edmisten said...

Yes!

Karen Edmisten said...

Wholeness IS overrated and tricky to achieve. I agree with Jama — the perfection of imperfections.

Karen Edmisten said...

Yes, Janice, it's the imperfections that are so lovable. ❤️

Alan j Wright said...

Enjoyed the simplicity of the message gently wrapped up in this poem, Karen. It serves to remind us about the power of brevity. A message possessed of beauty.

Linda Mitchell said...

Oh, my goodness...this poem kind of takes my breath away. Simple words, simple metaphor but the depth of meaning is ...well, just takes my breath away. This one's a keeper. Thanks!

Mary Lee said...

We start off thinking that love, marriage, long friendships...all of those will be the two perfect leaves, but time teaches us about the power of a single torn leaf, of the "imperfections that match." Like Linda said, this one is a keeper!

Rose Cappelli said...

Thank you for this, Karen. A beautiful and true sentiment.

Carol Labuzzetta said...

Beautiful, Karen. Thank you for sharing this poet. I am stunned by the simplicity and sincerity of the sentiment in the poem..

Carol Varsalona said...

Karen, there is much to be said about the poem you shared. The opening thought is one that makes me beam with joy for you and Atticus as "two imperfections that match."

Karen Edmisten said...

Alan, his brevity is impressive indeed. :)

Karen Edmisten said...

Yes, Linda, definitely a keeper!

Karen Edmisten said...

Agree, Mary Lee! My definition of perfection has changed, grown, and, well, worked its way toward an imperfect perfection. :)

Karen Edmisten said...

Happy to share such a lovely little poem, Rose!

Karen Edmisten said...

Carol, I feel the same way. So short, so simple, yet so, well, shall we say perfect? :)

Karen Edmisten said...

Aw, thank you, Carol. Your generosity in beaming for others at such a difficult period in your life makes me wish I could come over and give you a hug.