Words on Wednesday: Poetry
04/19/2017
I've spent the last two days attending a training session on environment and water quality issues. The sessions were in Holland, and I made the hour-long drive back and forth on back roads, taking the scenic route.
On Monday morning, there was the barest hint of green on the trees. By yesterday afternoon, the various spring shades of green were just popping over the landscape! Spring was really unfolding as I drove along.
This . . . unfolding . . . sent me to New Collected Poems by Wendell Berry. This one seemed perfect for right now.
April Woods: Morning
Birth of color
out of night and the ground.
Luminous the gatherings
of bloodroot
newly risen, green leaf,
white flower
in the sun, the dark
grown absent.
---Wendell Berry
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April is National Poetry Month. On Wednesdays throughout the month, I'll be sharing some of the poems I love. Thursday, April 27 is Poem in My Pocket day. Maybe you'll join me -- and share YOUR favorite poem that day.
I think you've chosen the perfect poem for this time of year. I've noticed an acceleration of things unfolding here (fruit tree blossoms, maple leaves unfurling, and a lovely abundance of dandelions appearing overnight) and you and Wendell Berry have expressed it beautifully. Thank you!
Posted by: Bonny | 04/19/2017 at 09:01 AM
Indeed a perfect choice! And, as Bonny said, everything seems to be popping/unfurling/opening up so quickly. Buds that were tightly closed one day are fully open the next. Now there is a leaf cover over the roads I drive to work whereas last week there was none. A magical time!
Posted by: Vera | 04/19/2017 at 09:36 AM
It's starting here finally. Three days of April showers ahead should seal the deal!
Posted by: Patty | 04/19/2017 at 09:38 AM
Oh, I love the "green haze" time of year!! ;)
Posted by: Vicki | 04/19/2017 at 09:42 AM
Our spring greens are unfolding a little more quickly than yours (just barely). It's an amazing process to watch and Berry's words touch the soul.
Posted by: margene | 04/19/2017 at 01:23 PM
Thank you for the beautiful photos and for more Wendell Berry! I cannot read his poetry without music starting in my head! And, both are a lovely combination!
Posted by: AsKatKnits | 04/19/2017 at 02:10 PM
(what Kat said ;-) and what a wonderful time to have a drive through the country!
Posted by: Mary | 04/20/2017 at 05:40 AM
It is amazing how quickly the landscape changes in the spring. One day of warmth and rain and BAM! Green everywhere!
Posted by: kmkat | 04/20/2017 at 12:15 PM