Inspired by bees in a dream

After an emotionally-rough week, I was having an especially tough day yesterday. Last night I posted as my Facebook status that I was “wondering if you have a favorite inspirational quote to share, or an inspiring article or book to recommend?” My favorite response was from my sister—a quote about a dream that bees were making sweet honey from old failures. It turned out to be an excerpt from a poem by Antonio Machado. This was written in 1903.

Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt—marvelous error!—
that a spring was breaking
out in my heart.
I said: Along which secret aqueduct,
Oh water, are you coming to me,
water of a new life
that I have never drunk?

Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt—marvelous error!—
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
from my old failures.

Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt—marvelous error!—
that a fiery sun was giving
light inside my heart.
It was fiery because I felt
warmth as from a hearth,
and sun because it gave light
and brought tears to my eyes.

Last night as I slept,
I dreamt—marvelous error!—
that it was God I had
here inside my heart.

[NOTE: I like to replace the word "God" with love. Not because I don't necessarily believe in God; but because it is more universal. I believe at the core that love is what makes the world go 'round. I always have. (And if you believe God is love ... well, then it will still work for you.)]

In any case, the quote from my sister (in bold text above) was just what I needed to hear—that failures are good for something. And not only that, but they are good for something sweet. Onward, busy bees!

[Coincidentally, I was stung by a bee while out riding my bike on Tuesday afternoon. An omen? Perhaps.]

06/10/2010 | ramblings | Comments

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