On my commute this morning I was listening to NPR, although I admit I wasn’t paying attention too much as I was mentally going through all the things I needed to get done in the morning, but while sort of listening to the story about Sen. Byrd what captured my attention was at the end of the piece they closed off with a reading of “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Tennyson.
I hadn’t heard the poem before so immediately I put aside other thoughts and just focused on the words and meaning. When I parked and turned off the radio I just thought what a great way to start off the morning, with poetry. Too often mornings for me are about rushing around (I’m so not a morning person) but today my morning was more like my weekends, more about the moment and thinking of all the possibilities that exist.
So this afternoon instead of writing reviews, answering emails, doing chores or even reading my current read, I spent my afternoon with poems. I read poems online and from one book and it was great.
I’ll share one poem I really enjoyed today. Hope it helps you start your day off right.
Color by Christina Rosetti
What is pink? a rose is pink
By a fountain’s brink.
What is red? a poppy’s red
In its barley bed.
What is blue? the sky is blue
Where the clouds float thro’.
What is white? a swan is white
Sailing in the light.
What is yellow? pears are yellow,
Rich and ripe and mellow.
What is green? the grass is green,
With small flowers between.
What is violet? clouds are violet
In the summer twilight.
What is orange? Why, an orange,
Just an orange!
I bet thinking about the meaning of a poem first thing in the morning is a nice way to get the creative juices flowing. I always find that if I read a poetry book on my morning commute I get more out of it than if I read it in the afternoon when I’m tired. I’m glad you enjoyed disconnecting from your usual routine to enjoy some poetry.
Anna – Exactly! You start thinking of words, meanings, imagery, etc. I wish I could use public transportation on my commute so I could spend some time reading. Hmm, maybe an audio book of poetry might work for me!
One of my mother’s favorite poems was “Crossing the Bar.” I haven’t read it in a while. Like you, I haven’t read much poetry lately, and it used to be an almost daily activity. The way a poet can distill an experience into lovely language is such a gift. Thanks for the reminder to keep poetry closer!
Excellent way to start the morning! Thanks for sharing the Rosetti poem, it has started my morning quite nicely 🙂
I used to hear Garrison Keillor and The Writer’s Almanac just before I got to work (when we lived in Alabama). It was a great way to head into the library!
Love Crossing the Bar, and thanks for introducing me to Color!
I adore poetry, but reading it in the morning is less productive for me. I tend to write in the early mornings and then read in the afternoons. I think I’m sharper in the afternoons for writing, which is what I want to focus on these days. But I love that you found a new routine for yourself and that poetry is part of that. You know I love poetry and encourage people to read it.
I so love that poem by Christina Rossetti. Do you know “Who Has Seen the Wind”? “Crossing the Bar” was one that my husband’s grandfather recited whole from memory; it was read at his memorial service–so moving. Thank you.
Sounds like you had a nice start to the day. I think we are all guilty of rushing in the mornings and you have definitely found a way to enjoy them more.
You had a wonderful beginning to your day. I have a camping trip coming up and I’m thinking I should bring some poetry with me to read.
Thank you for sharing this poem. What a great way to start the day off 🙂
jenclair – I’m very good about reading poetry almost daily in April for National Poetry Month but then I sort of go through periods. I definitely need to make it more of a regular thing!
Stefanie – Yay, I’m glad to hear that 🙂
Tiffany – Does the Writer’s Almanac still come on? I only heard it once a while back. I need to investigate and see if it does. That would be a good thing to watch out for!
Serena – When I used to write some poetry I had to do it in the evenings as well. I haven’t written poetry in a while but that is something nice too after reading poetry you sort of want to try it yourself. Hope your writing is going great!
ds – I have not read “Who Has Seen the Wind” but I will definitely look for it. I am glad you enjoyed this!
vivienne – And, isn’t it terrible that we should all be rushing around? I keep thinking that is just not the right way to start off a day. I wish I could start all my morning slow, with a bit of reading and such but if I did I’d have to get up super early and I’m too much of a night owl 🙂
Kathleen – That would be perfect! Surrounded by nature and beautiful words! You’ll have to share with us if you do take some poems and which ones.
bookworm – I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I love Christina Rosetti’s poems! I read them to my class all the time; they’re never a disappointment. (Probably because I can understand them, whereas many poems are too esoteric for me. 😉 Thanks for sharing this one!
Can I just say ditto to Bellezza’s comment? 🙂