celebrating poetry . . . and spring

In my last blog, we celebrated poetry in honor of April and National Poetry Month . . . and the release of my new book, my first poetry collection, entitled Standing in the Middle of the Road.

Yesterday, I handed one of the books to a friend who said, “Oh, I like poetry, I just don’t read it very often.” I believe that is probably the case with most of us. When we look for something to read, what do we look for? We reach for stories, novels, romances, mysteries, fantasies, science fiction . . .

But, poetry is one of those special blessings God has given to us—to enhance our lives with beauty. Have you ever noticed that with many of those who are poets, even their natural, everyday conversations tend to sound poetical? There’s a difference in the sound and flow of the words, which we call rhythm. That’s the attraction, the magnetic quality that draws all of us, from the time we are born throughout all of life, to the beauty of poetry and rhyme.

And, so it is with spring.  After the cold, drab, bleak months of winter, spring comes in with all its beauty! The world changes from gray and brown to gold and green . . . Leaves appear on the trees, forsythia seems to be everywhere, crocuses bloom beside the walk, colorful tulips spring up, while robins, cardinals, bluejays, and various species of birds fly all around, building their nests . . . The beauty in the world in springtime is breathtaking! It lifts our spirits, and we celebrate! We celebrate spring!

Jonquils are nodding,

forsythia’s in bloom;

robins are nesting

and chirping in tune.

Tiny rabbits watch

beneath trembling pines;

spring with its sweetness

has come once again.

“Welcome Guest,” c. 2016

Through the Leaves that Fall

Celebrate! Enjoy! And give thanks to God for the beauty around us!

Grace and peace to all,

Mary Emma