Welcome to Poetry Friday, this week hosted by Jone Rush MacCulloch, here. I wonder what her muse has in store for us this week!
A snow storm passed through Syracuse yesterday and the world here is white- the trees, the roads, the yards and roofs of houses. I’m thinking about going out side later and what I will wear, so that I am cozy and warm when I do.
And while staring out at this new world and thinking about what to post this week, I stumbled upon A.A. Milne and his 1924 book of poems, WHEN WE WERE YOUNG, which is in the public domain. Such joyful verse! Hear these poems read on you tube here.
I love the innocence in A.A. Milne poems and his connection with the voice of a child. Being British, Milne no doubt understood well the importance of dressing for miserable weather, as in this poem:
HAPPINESS by A.A. Milne John had Great Big Waterproof Boots on; John had a Great Big Waterproof Hat; John had a Great Big Waterproof Mackintosh-- And that (Said John) Is That.
What is it about this simple poem? First, the title. Who wouldn’t wonder what the poet is about to say about happiness, which is something we think of and search for, lately especially. The title draws us in.
Happiness is not about grand things. Rather it’s about things like being warm and dry when we’re out and about in the weather. It’s recognizing and appreciating basic things really do make us happy. Children seem to know this. Here’s a short ditty with my possible snow adventure in mind:
WHEN I GO OUTSIDE TODAY Turtle neck, A sweater A coat, all weather, Long johns Snow pants boots. Angora Socks, none warmer than that, mittens and my Russian fleece hat. © Janice Scully
Stay warm, cozy, and well everyone, and have a great weekend.
Oh I love AA Milne’s poetry and often recite it on my walks and wanderings – including a tiddley-pom or two quite regularly. Thank you for sharing the reading and the Happiness poem – another favourite. I love your poem too, and hope you did indeed have a snowy adventure today.
These poetry books by Milne are favorites always & they “fly” out of the bookstore so I know they’re still being read by all ages. I love your own Milne, Janice, the subtle rhyme of those small things we hold dear, especially in the snow this February! (Hard to believe there was so.much.snow).
Both of these are delightful–and they remind me of the best travel advice I got before going to England: There is no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. Bundle up as you head out into your winter wonderland.
I was reciting it in my head when I saw the first line. I loved A. A. Milne as a child and I still do!
and that, is that! Love your take on the A.A. Milne poem. The simplicity of the verse is polished up a bit with that title. I really think that elevates the words in a way. Love your layers for going outside. I don’t miss that snow at all! So much work to move all that stuff that’s going to melt someday anyway! Stay safe and warm. The angora socks help, I’m sure.
Janice, this is perfect! I love your poem, and the simplicity of Milne is wonderful. I thought, perhaps, you would go with “the more it snows, tiddly pom, the more it goes, tiddly pom, the more it goes, tiddly pom, on snowing….” Haha. Well, that’s what it did here, anyway. And I’m pretty sure you experience it in Syracuse! Anyway, thanks again for your wonderfully simple poem.
I love Milne… Thank you for sharing. I think that simplicity is something I like about poetry. I tend to be verbose in my prose, essays, and even when telling a story. I try to reign it in but my love for words and passion for the subject for which I speak or write does me in. I am trying….maybe, I should read more Milne. Thank you!
What a perfect winter poem. I love the Milne poem, he was genius. And I am wishing the weather would get to the point that I need those cozy socks in your poem
Both poems made me feel warm and cozy inside, Janice. Having lived in Arizona for ~10 years before arriving in Switzerland I was woefully winter wardrobed challenged at first. I’ve now acquired the perfect winter boots/coats ensembles (emphasis on the plural). Sometimes I wish it would snow more so I can wear my cool duds, but only sometimes… 😉
Hi, Janice. Milne is so good at creating rhythm with simple words and repeated phrases. I can picturing you bundling up for your Syracuse snow!
These poems, and those from NOW WE ARE SIX, are the music of my early childhood. They still burble up in my writing on occasion. I like your angora socks and very much like your Nestlings from the post before. You have a knack for titles!
Love, love, love A.A. Milne. And I feel cozier just reading about all the proper winter clothing you’ll bundle up in before you go out today. 🙂
Janice, today was the 2nd winter blast within 1 1/2 weeks on Long Island. After digging out again, it reminded me of Syracuse and the expected storms. Dressing warm for the elements is a wise idea. Would you consider pairing your photo and your poem together for my Winter’s Embrace 2021 Gallery? If so, send them to me for placement in the collection.
I will. Thanks Carol!
So full of simple, sweet “daily” joy – which is something I believe we overlook too often. Love the rhythm of your poem, and its warmth – tone and content – as well as the snow photo, wow! Milne is a true treasure. Stopping by here is like taking settling in with cup of cocoa. So very pleasant.