Michelle Kogan at her blog of the same name is hosting this week. She's bringing spring poems from the latest edition of Today's Little Ditty plus a bonus from her, too. In these challenging days, I hope each of you keep good health and find ways to share some goodness in your communities. I am aware that many of you are online helping with ideas for children who are out of school, which is wonderful. There are many kinds of needs that I am becoming aware of each day. It's a sad, tough time.
On the first day of spring, a snowstorm blew in. Here's the view from my desk! It was near 70 yesterday so I went to the store to do some work in our inventory. We closed the store indefinitely last Saturday, but some of us will continue to do a little work. I'm glad I got to stay home today!
At the end of January, 2019, on this post, I shared a very old book donated to the bookstore that was falling apart & couldn't be offered for sale. Once in a while, I bring it out again to read some of the old poems. This time, I found one without an author's name, but feels just perfect for this interesting spring day! Surely after this rain, then snow, violets will be along soon! Here are the book and the poem I wrote last time.
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for an old book of poetry, Gems of Poetry
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And here's a new poem from the book, published in 1896!
Oh, my! Snow...and not a little! I don't know how I could get used to such temperamental weather. It is so strange to hear of closings, be outside...and see so many others outside but only wave or smile from a safe distance. Poetry offers comfort. I really like the old poem you chose and the poem you wrote for it. The mystery of the poet....hmmmm. Wonder who, when, what inspirations?
ReplyDeleteLovely Linda, the poem and art–I'm saving it! And I liked your "Page crumbles…" poem last year when you shared it. Hope that snow knows where to go by tomorrow… I bet those violets are giving it a piece of their minds down under. Thanks, stay well!
ReplyDeleteI was a lot amazed by your pics of snow! You had snow before I even got to America - and that was MONTHS ago!! Thank-you for sharing this delightful poem. I adore that last line; coming full circle with some light and lively humour. Stay warm and well, Linda!
ReplyDeleteLook at that snow! It's hard to believe that your weather flip-flops so easily. Thanks for resurrecting the old 19th century book. I often think of your kindness in sending me one of your old books. During this trying time, books are great friends and reading reminds me of my childhood days. The self-quarantine is allowing more me-time to read. "When words are read, they live again." (beautiful line)
ReplyDeleteOh, I am SO in my element here today - thank you for the warm welcome to a place where "pages crumble" and "words... live again"! I am in love with your poem. (And enjoyed the seasonal gem, too.) Another friend in Denver texted a pic of the snow yesterday - wow! We might hit 80 here today.
ReplyDeleteSending love and warm breezes your way.
What fabulous snow! I do hope those violets will be poking up and blooming soon. Thank you for sharing that gem of a book of poetry, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm always surprised by Colorado's spring snows -- we didn't have much snow at all even during the winter here in VA, so it feels strange looking at your pics. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting old book. I'm glad you shared the violets poem today, as violets were my father's favorite flower. All the different blooms mentioned give us something to look forward to in the coming months. Take care!
Snow! What an interesting way to begin the season, Linda! This book and the poem you shared truly are gems. I don't think the author knew about climate change in 1896 when she/he thought violets would be the first sign of spring, not snow! Going from 70 degree temps to snow is a bit of a weather whiplash. Stay healthy. :)
ReplyDeleteSo many surprises! A snow, a new gem, and a very old poem. Isn't it fun how the old poem still feels fresh? I love accord encores. : )
ReplyDeleteYour post sent me on a search all over my house for this book. I'm sure I have it, but I can't find it! I love the daffodilies to rhyme with lilies. I saw your snow pictures on FB and am so grateful for spring. Of course I know what's coming...heat. But for now I am enjoying long walks and doing work outside to help my daffidilies bloom.
ReplyDeleteAnd here I've been complaining about too many days in the mid to upper 80s! I'm sorry I missed "Page crumbles" when you posted it last year, Linda, but happy to have a second chance. Hooray for you giving this book a happy new home and new life to the poems within.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to find such a treasure of a book, and such a sweet seasonal poem within. Your weather swings have come our way, near 70 today, below freezing by tomorrow night. We just try to keep balance. Best to you, and thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful to read every one of your comments. Thanks to all. I've spent time today reading your lovely posts & working on some bookstore challenges. And, yes, I am staying home!
ReplyDeleteI love this poem so much! One of my meditations I do/did to keep track of laps when swimming was like those first stanzas: a set of four flowers to equal a set of four laps, one flower for each lap in the order in which they bloom! (Oh, how I miss the pool!!)
ReplyDelete"Violets, you begin it." I hope your violets get to begin soon and that you and yours are weathering--whatever the weather--this time of sheltering in place. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heidi & Mary Lee. Yes, I think after this snow melts, the violets will make a spectacular debut! I understand about the swimming/exercise, Mary Lee. It's so sad to drive by our local clubs & see empty parking lots. Best to you both finding what makes the days good for you!
ReplyDeleteWe have so many books in our house and this includes a family collection from my husband's family of very old books so this would be a treasure for us. I do like the poem about the flowers and their seasons. I love the photo from your desk. Such pretty spring snow with real spring on the way soon I pray. And your poem about poetry gems, I love "when words are read, they live again" wonderful. Stay safe dear Linda. I am keeping a little journal about daily activities and thoughts. Nothing deep but just a record. I hope against hope that a treatment will be announced soon and then we wait for the vaccine. This is beyond surreal. Janet Clare F.
ReplyDeleteThat book looks enchanted! I love your poem and especially the line, "when words are read, they live again." The poem from the book is charming. Here's hoping we both see some violets and happier days soon.
ReplyDeleteThe image of holding an old book that sat in someone else's lap strikes a chord for me, Linda. The daffodils are blooming here. It's exciting to discover what our new garden has to offer.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet, Molly & Laura. During this time since Poetry Friday, even more has happened. Articles in the news are nearly out of date by the time they're published. It's nice to be able to read someone's poetry from long ago, and I'm glad you all liked the idea of making words live again.
ReplyDeleteThat's a delightful poem following a year of flowers. I also like your poem and the line "When words are read, they live again." We are expecting snow tomorrow after we raked one flower bed yesterday! As you say, the violets are on their way, after the daffys here!
ReplyDeleteIt's snowing right now in Michigan--but I don't expect it to last. Thanks for your poem, and the one you shared from the book. Love the line "then the flowers go to sleep in their warm-earth houses." That feels so snug and safe to me. But I'm looking forward to daffodilies!
ReplyDeleteThe snow is nearly gone & now springtime returns, until Thursday! That seems always to be our March weather, But the green is coming back with sprouts coming up everywhere. Thanks, Buffy & Joyce, wishing you spring weather too, after the snow!
ReplyDeleteI saw the first crocuses before the snowstorm and was happy to see their slightly bedraggled blossoms after the snow melted. Thanks for sharing these two poems. When words are read, they do live again. Lucky for us!
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