I guess you know by now that I like reading poetry. I don’t know when this affection began – maybe back in kindergarten…”A birdy with a yellow bill hopped upon my windowsill…” Anyone remember that one? But, given the embarrassing fact that this rhyme has stayed with me over 70 years, I imagine I can safely trace the roots of my love of poetry back to that early time.
I have never attempted to compose a poem, though this undertaking would seem natural given my interest. Who knows? Maybe someday.
For today, though, I’d like to share with you another of my favorites – a bit more sophisticated than the yellow-billed birdy on the sill. I came across this poem again last week and, after sitting with it for awhile, realized it had so much more meaning for me now than it ever did way back when. Don’t get me wrong. I have always loved reading May Sarton’s poetry. I suppose that’s why I saved this one. But back then the context of my reading was so very different. And my interpretation, naturally, was based on the experiences I brought to the reading. Back then the much younger me concluded that this was an inspired tale of aging (which, of course, it is).
But now, as I read Ms. Sarton’s words, I see and sense so much more. Layered atop the aging theme is a new reprise – one that would never have occurred to me during my first encounter with the poem and likely one that was never intended by this brilliant writer. But given the events of this past year, this particular interpretation speaks loudly to me. Listen, if you would…see if you can hear it…
The House of Gathering May Sarton If old age is a house of gathering, Then the hands are full. There are old trees to prune And young plants to plant, There are seeds to be sown. Not less of anything But more of everything To care for, To maintain, To keep sorted out, A profusion of people To answer, to respond to. But we have been ripening to a greater ease, learning to accept that all hungers cannot be fed, that saving the world may be a matter of sowing a seed not overthrowing a tyrant, that we do what we can. The moment of vision, the seizure still makes its relentless demands: Work, Love, Be Silent, Speak.
Can you, too, feel and hear another possible theme? “We have been ripening…” says the poet. Perhaps that truly is what has been occurring during these months. If so, what a beautiful thing this is! Perhaps, the confluence of events inflicted upon us over this past year has brought us back to ‘the center’ where there is balance…where we understand that our powers are limited, disappointments are inevitable, and only through acceptance of our limitations can we make any progress towards that change that is so needed.
And, if we accept this “modern” interpretation of May Sarton’s words, we can also apply the advice she offered back then. Begin small, sow a seed. “Work, Love, Be Silent…Speak”.
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Your thoughts? Please share them with us in the comment section below or send me an email to blog@mindingourlives.com. Do you enjoy poetry? Have you ever written a poem? If you have an interest in poetry but don’t know where to begin, I’d recommend you pick up a copy of one of these: Stephanie Burt’s primer Don’t Read Poetry: A Book About How to Read Poems or How To Read Poetry Like A Professor by Thomas C. Foster or, of course there is always Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Sister Mary DePazzi is smiling in heaven to hear one of her students remembers her words.. A love of poetry is a dear gift she started in you. I am going to explore poetry more now thanks to you. Stay safe and well. You are much LOVED !
Thank you dear friend!
Perfect timing of your beautifully written blog once again! Love May Sarton’s poem, “ The House of Gathering”. I just came home from attending Ash Wednesday service. I like how you chose the theme of “ripening “ especially for the beginning of this Lenten Season. For me, it allowed me to realize how important it is that I need to plant the seed of commitment to a life more centered on faith, family, service, sacrifice and love. You are LOVED!
Chris…you plant seeds of kindness, love and understanding every day. You are a gift to your family and to all who know you!
Seed, flower, fruit, seed – repeat. I come from a family of immigrant farmers, there is a season for the seed. It is harvested/hibernates, then is planted/germinates. It definitely is the example of letting go, trusting in the dark, and reaching for the light. We plant seeds sometimes not for ourselves, but for others to enjoy the flowers and fruit and to plant their own seeds. I think that’s what she means in her poem.
Lisa…you are always so inspiring! Please consider sharing more of your insights and wisdom with us – maybe even a full post??? We could learn much.
From Lynn McHenry to blog@mindingourlives.com – commenting on the Modern Mrs. Darcy historical fiction list:
A beautifully written historical fiction that taught me much. The Shadow King by Ethiopian-American writer Maaza Mengiste takes place in the 1930’s, just before and during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War brought on by Mussolini’s 1935 invasion of Ethiopia which forces the ruler, Haile Selaasie, to exile in England. It has been said to be the first real conflict of World War II. Mengiste focuses on the African women who went to war as warriors in this war and are largely not written about in history. This book was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize.
From Amy d’Ancona on 3/4 to my blog@mindingourlives.com email:
Hello,
My name is Amy Allison D’Ancona, and I live on Rex Avenue.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts, musings, ideas, in your MOL website. I’m so glad I found your website through a friend.
Reading what you write is like listening in a conversation with a good friend. What a gift!
Thank you so much!
Amy
Hi Amy!
So happy to hear that this site is being shared…thank you for your kind words. I hope I can continue to keep you interested!!
From Lynn McHenry to my blog@mindingourlives.com commenting on the Modern Mrs. Darcy historical fiction list:
So many books, so little time!
Placing a bulk order at Amazon today! Can’t wait to start reading.
From Jane to blog@mindingourlives.com – More recommendations:
Hi Pat,
Hope you are doing well.
Thanks for this list of books as I was just looking for a new one to read.
You have probably read them but I recently read these and really enjoyed them…Book of Lost Names, The Winemaker’s Wife and When We Meet again.
Take care an stay healthy. Our 2nd vaccine is Wednesday.
Love, Jane
Good to hear from you, Jane! Hope all is well in sunny Scottsdale! Thanks for these suggestions. I look forward to reading them. Happy to hear you are getting your 2nd shot.
Pat, I am a real fan of HF. Never, saw ‘Modern Mrs Darcy’, books all look interesting. The only one I had read was
Salt to the Sea, top notch and definitely all ages read.
I am presently reading the oeuvre of Rose Tremain, English author, whose writings mainly fit in HF category. My favorite
thus faris ‘The Colour’ based on gold rush in New Zealand, 1860. Tremain really captures mind set of her characters and
perils of life during that period.
Thanks fo MOL
Kathlyn Egan
Thanks for this, Kathlyne…I need to get with your suggestions! Sound great.