My friend Sriram Shamasunder is one of those maddeningly talented people—a medical doctor who has treated patients all over the world and a gifted poet. But as if that weren’t enough, he’s also a deeply feeling and ethical human. More than most people I’ve ever met, he rejects a hierarchy of human value. People are people are people—all deserving of care and presence. The guy was mentored by global health pioneer
One thought that came to mind for me, as it rings very true, is something Krista Tippett once said. She said that she realized that the work she found most important and to which she had dedicated her life would not be finished in her time, but when she had that thought she looked around and saw a younger colleague of hers, a minister, and knew that the work would continue in other good hands.
After a long time of trying to do too much, to take on too much, I have submitted to the understanding that I am one of many gardeners putting our hearts into tending this garden, and that tending my part with a full heart is enough.
How can I thank you enough for sharing this beautiful piece? I submitted to it. i I’m sitting here in pieces. It shattered my heart but I know I’ll emerge stronger having been reminded there are people like you and Sri in this world.
As we join in praise of Sri's incredible talent, let's not fail to thank Courtney for bringing his poetry to us; and introducing him with her own poetic expressions, e.g., "deeply feeling and ethical human [who]rejects a hierarchy of human value." This shows how it helps to be an accomplished poet (including her spoken word poetry) to recognize another.
Yes, Sri's exquisite narrative and metaphors are unbelievably compelling, summoning a sublime power. How appropriate for him to express the beauty and suffering of the Navajo nation at this time. The theme of submission takes on a transcendent quality, relating personal images of tears with nature's wondrous ways of connecting us.
Courtney asks about my ways of surrendering. At this moment, I simply want to yield to Sri's genius as a writer, and to submit this individual as perfect proof of our humanity. DD
The same line grabbed me.
One thought that came to mind for me, as it rings very true, is something Krista Tippett once said. She said that she realized that the work she found most important and to which she had dedicated her life would not be finished in her time, but when she had that thought she looked around and saw a younger colleague of hers, a minister, and knew that the work would continue in other good hands.
After a long time of trying to do too much, to take on too much, I have submitted to the understanding that I am one of many gardeners putting our hearts into tending this garden, and that tending my part with a full heart is enough.
How can I thank you enough for sharing this beautiful piece? I submitted to it. i I’m sitting here in pieces. It shattered my heart but I know I’ll emerge stronger having been reminded there are people like you and Sri in this world.
As we join in praise of Sri's incredible talent, let's not fail to thank Courtney for bringing his poetry to us; and introducing him with her own poetic expressions, e.g., "deeply feeling and ethical human [who]rejects a hierarchy of human value." This shows how it helps to be an accomplished poet (including her spoken word poetry) to recognize another.
Yes, Sri's exquisite narrative and metaphors are unbelievably compelling, summoning a sublime power. How appropriate for him to express the beauty and suffering of the Navajo nation at this time. The theme of submission takes on a transcendent quality, relating personal images of tears with nature's wondrous ways of connecting us.
Courtney asks about my ways of surrendering. At this moment, I simply want to yield to Sri's genius as a writer, and to submit this individual as perfect proof of our humanity. DD
I just thought this line made me so grateful for doctors as connected as Sri: "I watch his eyes closely for signs of fear."
What a gift you just gave us all dear Courtney. Appreciate you. xx
Moved to tears here. This is a perfect Thanksgiving offering. Thank you.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. It’s a haunting line.
The last three lines are 💔.