A singular contribution – Jim Cotter
I came across this poem in my saved files from long ago where I obviously kept it because I found it inspirational. When I googled him, I discovered he died a year ago in April and was a gay priest who set up his own publishing company. He also did a stint for VSO in Nigeria.
He describes himself as ‘sharing meals, stories and laughter with friends; enjoying theatre, walking the hills, shaping words, deepening solitude, silence and simplicity’.
A singular contribution
Do not depend on institutions for permission
Or approval or a ready-made role.
Sense your own ground and dignity and strength,
And make your contribution from that ground.
And when you are in role,
Act in your own way.
Even if you are an ordinary member
Of an institution,
You are part and parcel of it:
It is not a ‘them’.
You can help to direct its future
With passion and compassion.
You have the creative power within you,
Initiating-nurturing fathering-mothering.
Take responsibility and shape that power.
There is no need to hold your breath,
And draw back in fear.
You have a singular contribution to make.
A loving strength will see you through.
Jim Cotter