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BARTER
by Sara Teasdale
Life has loveliness to sell,
All beautiful and splendid things,
Blue waves whitened on a cliff,
Soaring fire that sways and sings,
And children's faces looking up
Holding wonder like a cup.
Life has loveliness to sell,
Music like a curve of gold,
Scent of pine trees in the rain,
Eyes that love you, arms that hold,
And for your spirit's still delight,
Holy thoughts that star the night.
Spend all you have for loveliness,
Buy it and never count the cost;
For one white singing hour of peace
Count many a year of strife well lost,
And for a breath of ecstasy
Give all you have been, or could be.
Dare I say it? This is just lovely, Mary Lee. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've read this before, Mary Lee, but my experience reading it this morning was the most moving. I guess it was just what I needed. Thanks :-)!
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays, everyone!
ReplyDeleteThis is why I show up at Poetry Friday. I've never read this one before. It's perfect for this time of year.
ReplyDelete"And for your spirit's still delight,
Holy thoughts that star the night."
Exquisite!
This is my favorite Teasdale poem. Perfect for the holiday season. Love "Give all you have been, or could be." Merriest of holidays to you, Mary Lee!
ReplyDelete"Holding wonder like a cup"--that seems a goal worth pursuing. Thanks for sharing this, and peaceful holidays to you!
ReplyDelete"Children holding wonder like a cup!" Perfect.
ReplyDeleteJust what I needed to read today. Sometimes the rush of the season gets in the way of the loveliness. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI knew this one too, but I'm finding it charming in a new way today...I've read a lot of Sara in the last 24 hours, coicidentally--I wonder if that's why? May your cup overflow with wonder, soaring fire, curves of gold.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous to continue the push to see the beauty always, everywhere, Mary Lee. My granddaughter wrapped gifts with me yesterday, and discovered the "box" of all my package trimmings-wonder indeed. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThere's something in the air! I also have a Teasdale poem at Kurious Kitty, you shared "Barter," which is just lovely, and Heidi's been reading her, too. It makes me wonder...
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the last few lines and your cookies look yummy. I am baking cookies tonight.
ReplyDelete