Welcome to Poetry Friday! And a joyful Father’s Day!
This June week we are hosted by the extraordinary artist and poet Michelle Kogan Here. Be sure to stop by and see what she’s sharing this week.
The year is half past and January seems like yesterday! So much going on in the world to pay attention to, but also, I’ve been enjoying the lovely outdoors here in Syracuse.
The sunny warmth has been exhilarating. In an effort to slow down a bit to enjoy it, I’m missed a few posts, but I think I must not the only one enjoying summer. I have continued working on a collection of poems for a picture book, about my family which is slowly taking form. Quite slowly.
I searched for a poem to share this week, about a less-hurried time, a poem that would make me want to slow down as I read it. I found this one by Elizabeth Bishop. It’s written from a child’s perspective.
I didn’t know if it was public domain, so I shared only the beginning here and a website with the entire poem. I hope you like it.
Manners For a Child of 1918 by Elizabeth Bishop My Grandfather said to me as we sat on the wagon seat, "Be sure to remember to always speak to everyone you meet. We met a stranger on foot. My grandfather's whip tapped his hat. "Good day, sir. Good day. A fine day." And I said it and bowed where I sat. Then we overtook a boy we knew with his big pet crow on his shoulder. "Always offer everyone a ride; don't forget that when you get older," my grandfather said. So Willy climbed up with us,'but the crow gave a "Caw!" and flew off. I was worried. How would he know where to go? (Read the rest Here)
Right now, a thunder and lightening storm has just begun with a drenching downpour. A wonderful roar! I hope you all get some rain if you need it.
Thank you Michelle, for hosting.
My best,
Janice
I quite enjoyed that poem. Etiquette and manners are still important today perhaps mostly ain their increasing absence. Thanks for reminding us of the importance of standards.
This poem is new to me! Thank you for the introduction. And, I do love a good thunderstorm. That rumble is the best to sleep to. Wishing you sunny days after this storm!
A wonderful roar indeed…and you know, good manners/simple courtesies do go along way. Happy summer, Janice! xo
It’s nice to read about you slowing down, Janice, and working on your new book. This is lovely to read. My grandfather taught me, too, to greet everyone that we met when out walking. Some days it feels as if people have forgotten; other times, they do! Have a lovely, slow, weekend!
Janice, it is so important to slow down and be polite. I think my long bout with after-effects of cataract surgery has taught me to slow-slow down. Syracuse in June-a wonderful time to enjoy nature. Have a good time outdoors and best of luck with your book about your family.
Carol, I hope you have had improvement from your surgery. Enjoy your summer. xo
Thanks for this fine poem, Janice. I enjoyed it and find that I also long to slow down. Good luck with your book and enjoy a long slow summer.
Here’s to good manners! Here’s to slowing down! Here’s to welcome rains!
Thanks for sharing this lovely poem by Elizabeth Bishop, I like her sentences running on from one stanza to the next, rhythm, and remembering to pass on greetings/assistance throughout the poem–which is quite apropos for our hustle and bustle world today… Good commentary too–and good luck with your book!
The matter of manners frequently pops up in conversation, Janice. My Dad used to say they cost us nothing, but are worth so much. This poem was new to me, but it did serve to remind me, yet again, how we must extend to others what we expect for ourselves.
The poem was such a pleasure to read and I agree wholeheartedly with its sentiment. We have certainly lost a sense of manners and the golden rule treatment of others in the modern age. I also agree that it feels like it was just January, and I can’t believe June is already half over!! Nice to hear you’re making progress on your poetry collection. About your family’s restaurant, right? 🙂
Yes, JAMA. Trying to figure out what is interesting and what might not be.
I may have to try to write a modern-day version of this! Thanks for sharing!
Like you, Janice, I have missed some posts this summer and can’t believe how swiftly the time is flying. I enjoyed the Bishop poem. A slower pace, manners … all good stuff. 🙂 Yay for working on your book!