Mark Nepo

Mark Nepo (1951- ) lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In his 30’s he was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, a struggle which helped to form his philosophy of experiencing life fully while staying in relationship to an unknowable future. Nepo has a doctorate in English. He taught for 18 years at the State University of New York in Albany, New York. He has published over 12 books. In 2010 Oprah Winfrey chose Nepo’s Book of Awakening as one of her Ultimate Favorite Things for her farewell season.

The Ring of Rings

As a broken door lets in the light,

a broken heart lets in the world.

No one likes this,

but we can’t grow without it.

And no matter how we try,

we can’t hold on to everything.

For the mind is a net

and all nets have holes.

But you mustn’t worry,

because the heart is a sponge.

Still, it’s easier to fall in love

than to stay in love.

Easier to have a dream

than to live a dream.

In this, we’re all apprentices,

who always begin again.

— Mark Nepo