Sonnet I
by Phillip Britts
How often do we miss the fainter note
Or fail to see the more exquisite hue,
Blind to the tiny streamlet at our feet,
Eyes fixed upon some other, further view
What chimes of harmonies escape our ears,
How many rainbows must elude our sight,
We see a field but do not see the grass,
Each blade a miracle of shade and light.
How then to keep the greater end in eye
And watch the sunlight on the distant peak,
And yet not tread on any leaf of love,
Nor miss a word the eager children speak?
Ah, what demand upon the narrow heart,
To seek the whole, yet not ignore the part.
1947
How often do we miss the fainter note
Or fail to see the more exquisite hue,
Blind to the tiny streamlet at our feet,
Eyes fixed upon some other, further view
What chimes of harmonies escape our ears,
How many rainbows must elude our sight,
We see a field but do not see the grass,
Each blade a miracle of shade and light.
How then to keep the greater end in eye
And watch the sunlight on the distant peak,
And yet not tread on any leaf of love,
Nor miss a word the eager children speak?
Ah, what demand upon the narrow heart,
To seek the whole, yet not ignore the part.
1947
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No commentary. Just read it one more time.
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Carol and Catherine switched roundup weeks. Go to Carol's Corner this week and Catherine's blog next week.
That's beautiful, Mary Lee - something we should all remember, especially as poets.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder to slow down, Mary Lee. Thank you. Beautiful photo, too. Is that a peony?
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a peony. I wish I had gotten the ruffly, heavenly-scented kind, but these bold, tulip-y ones grow on you (haha) over time!
ReplyDeleteWise words on so many different levels. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI need this important reminder today, the last day of school. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMary Lee, thank you for sharing such a thoughtful poem that brings to mind the reasons why we must be reflective watchers of life. I am going to use this poem in my reflective writing workshop this summer and tell the story of how I became acquainted with it.
ReplyDeleteThat third stanza...now I want to cry. This is a poem for my journal, and that first page of my lesson plan book for next year, where I paste in words like these, which remind me of what I do in my classroom every day, and why each day and moment with my kids count. Thank you, Mary Lee.
ReplyDeleteExquisite poem and photo, Mary Lee. A timeless message that we need to be reminded of again and again.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely and important, every time.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, love these peony days! Mine finally are in bloom-so late this year! The poem reminds us well how to live.
ReplyDelete"To seek the whole, yet not ignore the part." sigh... a noble and worthwhile goal, to be sure.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem. So true. That peony looks familiar -- we have a similar variety in our garden that is blooming like crazy right now.
ReplyDeleteA lot to think about here. It also signifies the need to be present and alive at the moment - the one within sight. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. And thanks for your visit to my blog. Hope you are feeling better soon.
ReplyDeleteSuch good questions in that poem. I've found that as I recovered from my broken hip, I've had to slow down. My walks these days are richer for it. When I take time to notice the little things I am also more aware of the big picture of what matters. Thanks for this (and get your thumbs better!)
ReplyDeleteViolet N.