The Way It Is
William Stafford

There's a thread you follow
It goes among things that change
But it does not change
People wonder about what you are pursuing.

You have to explain about the thread,
But it is hard for others to see
While you hold it, you can't get lost
Tragedies happen, people get hurt or die
And you suffer and get old.

Nothing you can do can stop time's unfolding.
You don't ever let go of the thread.