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."