Life as I know It

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San Luis Obispo, California, and South Bristol, Maine, United States
Author ~ Illustrator ~ Lecturer

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Hope is the thing with feathers...


Poetry is my soul food. First thing every morning I turn to it for peace, quiet reflection, and sustenance.

Here is one of my favorite poems by the enigmatic and brilliant Emily Dickinson (I got to visit her home in Amherst, Mass. last year).

Hope is the thing with feathers,
that perches in the soul,
and sings the tune-without the words,
and never stops at all.

But I also feel that hope is the thing with petals that blooms in your soul, brings the promise of spring to you, and never stops at all.



This morning, when a host of what I felt to be nearly unsolvable problems knocked me down, I walked into my dining room and the day changed for the better. The twigs I had cut and brought indoors a few weeks ago gave me a sweet surprise and uplift. The delicate, papery white blooms of plum and the vibrant green of the first narrow leaves filled my home with life and with hope.



Hope and the promise of spring to you all,

Sharon




13 comments:

Erin | Bygone Living said...

That's so funny, I was just reading Emily Dickinson last night! :)
Any sign of spring in this time of year is always so wonderful.

Brittan said...

Beautiful, all around... THe poem and the flowers!!! so true!

Morwenna Hill said...

Lovely post Sharon, I agree that hope can come in many forms and one of my favourites is with petals on. Glad your blooms washed away your troubles this morning and that they stay away.
Morwenna xo

Dawn said...

Oh, that is a hopeful sight indeed.
Thank you for your kind words yesterday. I think of you often and am grateful for our friendship.
Thank you for these words and pictures that spread positivity and love.
xo

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I have the word HOPE spelled with Scrabble letters on my bread box. I love that word.

Last night when I went to bed there were many concerns on my mind. It is always good when the morning comes (even if it brought a snowstorm). :)

Unknown said...

Thankyou for the lovely Hope poem ~ And the flowers!

Mozart's Girl said...

Beautiful, dearest Sharon. Hope is everywhere & nature always has the power to delight & surprise. Thanks for reminding me of that, dear friend xox Rachel

Suzanne said...

I do love that poem too:-) And thanks for the glimpse of Spring, we're bracing for quite the storm and I would love to see some little white flowers!

Beverly said...

one of the poems that I live by...

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

I know Spring is around the corner.
Love seeing your garden. The poem spoke to my heart. Hope you feel more uplifted today:)

Lori ann said...

Poetry does that for me too, it can even become a prayer some days. I love your branches and how lucky that they've started to blossom for you. Hope and Faith, lucky to have these.
x lori

sarah-jane down the lane said...

What a beautiful poem, and how perfect that your blossom buds opened.

I am glad you liked the "Rock" it is a proper "spit and sawdust" pub as we say!

Hope you are having a better morning?

Sarah x

Anonymous said...

I'm going right out and cut some forsythia branches. I have the perfect place for them. Thanks for the reminder. I have Sunflower Houses and Hollyhock Days. :)