Monday, May 31, 2010

These Are the Things to Remember

This poem was taken from a book of poetry published over a hundred years ago. The author was listed as unknown. It is one of my favorites.

"I know where wild forget-me-nots wade
Along the edge of clear running water
Where a great blue heron stands at sunrise.


I have listened to the first spring peepers
And have counted the varied and tender
Greens of spring, from pale of willow
To dark of pine.


I have walked on pine needle carpets
And on spongy green moss
In sunlight and shade


I know a woodland pool
Hidden from sight by giant ferns
Where mayapples unfurl their green umbrellas
Beneath a stone lantern,
And the small face of the hepatica
Holds a drop of blue sky.


I have uncovered the damp sweetness
Of arbutus
And felt the south wind brush across my face
Bearing a hint of rain and flower gardens.


I have seen the scarlet tanager
In the topmost branches of the tulip tree
And the marsh wren in her house
Beneath the lemon lilies.


I know a pond at evening,
Where ducks trail silver threads in their wake.
Trout jump, and fireflies appear
Above the water.


I have seen the whipporwill
Silhouetted on a dusky sky
And heard his song of summer magic
While standing in bright moonlight
Watching shadows cast by giant pines.


I have felt the mystery of heaven
And the joy of earth--
And I know what I know--
These are the things to remember."

8 comments:

  1. You might want to post this on ABC Wednesday on the T list, which is now available.

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  2. Thank you, I did that! I think.

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  3. Well, you posted on the S list initially, but yes, you're on the T list as well. Your S post will probably get deleted, only because it's misplaced. Interesting post, BTW.

    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  4. Lovely words,lots of truth and a great post for the T day! Hope your week is going well, Isadora!

    Sylvia

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  5. What a beautiful poem - I've never heard it. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. cute poem share..
    lovely bird on top.
    very enjoyable t post.

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  7. This is a beautiful piece of poetry and your photos are marvelous companions!

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  8. I think it may have been written by Katherine G. Shelly. It is typed in a collection of my mother's and she attributed it to her. However I have found nothing on the net.

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