Linda’s Favorite Poems — Gerard Manley Hopkins
February 26th, 2008There are days (too many of them!) when writing is beyond me, but reading, hearing, feeling some of my favorite poems is not. Here is one of the lyrics I have loved, and been profoundly moved by, for decades: The poet is Gerard Manley Hopkins, and I’m using the edition posted by the Bartelby Project.
Spring & Fall
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
to a young child
Margaret, áre you gríeving
Over Goldengrove unleaving?
Leáves, líke the things of man, you
With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?
Áh! ás the heart grows older
It will come to such sights colder
By and by, nor spare a sigh
Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie;
And yet you wíll weep and know why.
Now no matter, child, the name:
Sórrow’s spríngs áre the same.
Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed
What heart heard of, ghost guessed:
It ís the blight man was born for,
It is Margaret you mourn for.
July 1st, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Hello, I just tapped in “fear of standing still”. I have been suffering from labryntitis for the last 13 weeks. I have gone from an active, independent, joyful woman to something akin to a cloistered nun. I can’t leave the house without someone to accompany me. The loss of freedom is affecting me greatly although I keep this a secret from my nearest and dearest. I don’t know how I would feel if I was experiencing this like you from an early age. Your piece sounded like an introduction to a book. You write beautifully. I will try to let go, let this ‘thing’ pass over me as you recommend. Is it a pride thing? The dread of passing out or fainting in public? Yes I am gulty of pride! Will let you know how I get on. Thank you again.