Poetry Remembered

As a lover of language, I have always enjoyed reading or hearing other people's thoughts expressed in precise or figurative words. This fascination with words and exactness of expression leads to great enjoyment of poetry. When I was in school (at all levels) we were required to read, sometimes to memorize, and frequently to study many different kinds of poetry. Although it was not always fun, the study led to an appreciation of poetry. I have recently reread poetry that I remember from academia. I find it interesting that I read them with some sense of nostalgia as well as with the original understandings and appreciations. I hope teachers are still instilling this love of poetry in children today.

This poem of Sara Teasdale's is one that has some beautiful language and expresses a genuine truth.

Barter
by Sarah 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.

What beautiful thoughts -- expressed in vivid and thought-inspiring words - mental photographs capturing what it means to be loved, to experience peace, to glory in the beauty of nature! Part of what it means to be human is to take time away from "earning a living" and actually spend it "enjoying living"!