God’s Grandeur By Gerard Manley Hopkins The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil Is bare … [Read more...] about Thanks Full
Poems for Humans and Others
“The fountains of my hidden life…”
Friendship, by Ralph Waldo Emerson A ruddy drop of manly blood The surging sea outweighs, The world uncertain comes and goes; The lover rooted stays. I fancied he was fled,- And, after many a year, Glowed unexhausted kindliness, Like daily sunrise there. My careful heart was free again, O friend, my bosom said, Through thee alone the sky is arched, Through thee the rose is red; All things through … [Read more...] about “The fountains of my hidden life…”
The Boy and the Bubble
This poem issues from reflections on Ecclesiastes, that incomparable book. Life is a locked door, And there is no key. I cannot make the crooked corridors straighten, I am in them, wandering who knows where. Who knows anything? Fleeting and futile, a boy blowing bubbles, Chasing down a giant one, He means to keep. What a vapid dance, this life, With drunk-clumsy partners, who all seem to … [Read more...] about The Boy and the Bubble
Living Still
The Poets by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow O ye dead Poets, who are living still Immortal in your verse, though life be fled, And ye, O living Poets, who are dead Though ye are living, if neglect can kill, Tell me if in the darkest hours of ill, With drops of anguish falling fast and red From the sharp crown of thorns upon your head, Ye were not glad your errand to fulfill? Yes; for the gift and … [Read more...] about Living Still
Poems Papaw Loved: The Children’s Hour
This is one of my Papaw's favorite poems. I have fond memories of him reciting this on his back porch. I remember him tearing up and afterwards expressing his experiences that compared with Longfellow's as he arrived home. It's also a vision close to my heart. For the deep, satisfying joy of a happy, loving connection to my own kids is one of the great joys of my life. -Sam The Children's … [Read more...] about Poems Papaw Loved: The Children’s Hour
“The truth must dazzle gradually”
Tell All the Truth, but Tell it Slant by Emily Dickenson Tell all the truth but tell it slant, Success in circuit lies, Too bright for our infirm delight The truth’s superb surprise; As lightning to the children eased With explanation kind, The truth must dazzle gradually Or every man be blind. _____________________________ HT: David Kern Image via … [Read more...] about “The truth must dazzle gradually”
A Farewell Song for Papaw (Clair Shadwell Smith)
Below is the poem I read at Papaw's funeral on Saturday. The poem is full of allusions to Papaw's own poetry and life story, and may or may not make perfect sense to those who didn't know him. It was a beautiful service, honoring a beautiful man and celebrating a long, beautiful life. It started with the church bell ringing once for each of his ninety years and ended with full military honors. In … [Read more...] about A Farewell Song for Papaw (Clair Shadwell Smith)
Night by Clair Shadwell Smith
Night by Clair Shadwell Smith The grey and death-like, quiet night. Where, in its non-directed light, The moon from four horizons shines, Revealing naught but softest lines Of hill and plain. Where man’s hard shell of pride is lost, And lain aside, his soul the host, Now clothed in softer … [Read more...] about Night by Clair Shadwell Smith