Poetry should…should strike the reader
as a wording of his own highest thoughts,
and appear almost a remembrance.
~John Keats
Some of you know that I was an educator for 31 years. What you don’t know is that in the 8th grade I declared to family and friends that I would never become a teacher, especially an English teacher. But as it turned out I did become one and though it was not my first or second chosen teaching field, I ended up teaching English for half of my career. And like all else whatever we spend time doing has a profound influence on our lives. I’ve always had a great respect for literature and writers and storytellers. One of them. as I mentioned in a recent post, is Mary Oliver. When I read her poetry it’s as if she has been writing what dwells within my heart and soul. They are so accurate and she does it in a way that had I her ability I would have written them myself. But ya know, we don’t all have to be gifted to tell tales of our lives which might be what someone else needs or longs to hear. And I believe I can say with certitude that there’s not a single one of you who are reading this who were not profoundly impacted by at least one teacher in your life. Secondly, my guess is that their influence had little to do with academic subject matter. I expect it was stories they told or wove to reach you and teach you that made all the difference in your life. So never be afraid to share you grief and joys, triumphs and sorrows, whatever it is you hold dear or keep close for you never know when or where a listening ear will find remembrance and/or life-sustaining importance in them. ‘Tis even more important that you do so if the tale(s) tell of God’s grace, mercy, faithfulness, and abiding love for His children!
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. ~Acts 20:24 ✝
The Summer Day
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean– the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down–
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
~Mary Oliver
Photo of grasshopper on rose taken in her yard by Natalie
Excellent post Natalie! Touched my heart and encouraged my “poet’s” soul:) Beautiful! Blessings for a lovely weekend. denise
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Thank you Denise for such a lovely comment❣️😘 I hope you have a great weekend too❌⭕️
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What a wonderful post. I love when you share a part of your past. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thanks V❣️😘
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It is so true that we’ve been touched by the lives of others, especially teachers. And this reminds us of how important it is to share our own testimonies, because others need to hear what God is doing in our lives!
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Absolutely and amen❣️😊
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This gives me courage to move forward and publish my book, in spite of my little fears and doubts, because God’s grace is the message. And God’s grace is powerful !
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Great! And amen‼️❌⭕️
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Ironically, although I was always interested in math and science, it was a small collection of English teachers that had a noticeable (even then) influence on me.
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Interesting Dan! Perhaps it was English teachers because they are so well read and wise because of it. 😊❤️
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I bet you touched many people as a teacher Natalie. Thanks for sharing your gifts and heart as a humble teacher.
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Awwww that’s sweet Brad! I know of some that I touched because they have since told me years later and I hope there were more. That’s what we are there for‼️ I’m glad you enjoyed my sharing❣️😊
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How wonderful Natalie! ❤
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😊
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Inspiring! Thanks, Natalie… ❤ xo
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You’re welcome Bette❌⭕️
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Great poem. Carl Sandberg’s poem about men, women and children is one of my favorites: There is only one man in the world, and his name is ALL men; there is only one woman in the world, and her name is ALL women; there is only one child in the world and its name is ALL children. Lovely photo as well. Thanks.
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What a lovely comment and sharing! Thank you‼️ I’m so glad you enjoyed the post❌⭕️
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It is simple and profound at the same time. Happy Memorial Day! ^__^
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Same to you Mary Annie❌⭕️
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^__^
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😊
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you are a reflecting device—one that reflects the light outward for all to see—
Keep up shining Natalie!!!
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Wow‼️ what a lovely compliment! But your light shines outwardly as well my friend! As it should since we worship and adore the One who commands us to do so‼️ It is His light that we share so that others may find their way into His keeping! So you keep shining as well dear Julie❣️😘
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Shine on!!!!
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You too❌⭕️
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