Three Cherished Poems
Sharing a few favorites from Frost, Taylor, and Dickinson.
It's been a busy week for our family (and the world), and I haven't had time to slow down and write. The election. A sick, clingy kiddo. Daylight savings jet lag. Potty training. Preparing for a 9-hour road trip.
Rather, I should probably say I just haven't been able to slow down as much as I'd like to. There have still been small, fleeting moments of slow in the chaos—like right now, while the combination of the November sun shining through the window, my favorite fluffy robe, and a cat curled in my lap are enough to keep me warm on a chilly day. Yesterday, it was birds out my window. I finally remembered to refill the bird feeders and am enjoying watching the cardinals, titmice, chickadees, and nuthatches take turns for a beak-full of seeds.
So in this little moment of slow, let me share with you three poems I cherish. After all, any writer should know that the best advice for writing better is to read often and read well.
1. “The Pasture” by Robert Frost
Eight years ago, my husband and I took a Survey of American Literature class together. I was an English major, and he needed a few random classes to finish his psychology degree. It was such a delight. Just a few weeks after the semester ended, he asked me to marry him with a tiny piece of paper wrapped around a ring that read: “You come too.”
It is no surprise that this poem is one of Frost's best known. It is incredibly simple, yet wonderfully cunning. Don't we all long for the simple? For the everyday beauty? And most of all, for someone who loves us to experience the everyday beauty alongside?
Favorite Line: “You come too.”
2. “The Ebb and Flow” by Edward Taylor
I first read this poem when preparing curriculum for a high school American Literature class I was teaching at a local homeschool co-op. I think a huge reason why so many people favor Fall and Spring are because of their liminal nature. We love the promise of a new season—the promised rest of the colder months, but also the promised new life of the warm ones.
Our faiths are no different. They have their own seasons, and all of them beautiful. Taylor so beautifully puts into words the confusing yet grace- and wonder- filled experience of faith ebbing and flowing. Sometimes we are in quiet, green fields. Sometimes we are in deserts. All the time, God is faithful and good.
Favorite Line: “Yet when the bellows of thy spirit blow”
3. Come slowly - Eden!
Oh, Emily! Sometimes when I feel like I am using too many dashes in my poetry, I need only read a few of her poems to quell my fears.
This poem is undeniably a poem about intimacy and sensuality. But, of course, we know that sexual intimacy is a gift from God, and it is a gift with the purpose of reminding us of the unparalleled bliss that will be our union with Christ as his bride. And so I personally take this poem and delight in the image of being “lost in Balms” on the day Christ returns.
Sexual themes aside, there is also beauty to be found in considering how we experience nature. Have you taken the time lately to let yourself be thrilled by a bumblebee? Have you stopped to revel in the miraculous beauty of this world?
Favorite Line: “Come slowly – Eden!”
I hope you enjoyed these short yet charming poems. I would love if you shared with me some of your favorite poems and poets. What (or who) keeps you coming back? Leave a comment and let me know!
Here’s to slowing down and savoring, no matter how briefly!
Again soon?
XO Riley
This was a delight to read. I love your personal connections to each poem. Thank you for sharing this!
Great poems! Thank you.
Also, I love that your cat is named Flannery.