Spring in Maine has been oh-so-beautiful this year and I’ve been soaking it all in. It struck me this morning that I’m living in a sort of emerald “snow” globe. Up on our hilltop, our house is surrounded by shades of green in all directions, and every so often, blossoms flutter down instead of snowflakes. A crescendo of bird song wakes me every morning. It’s pretty awesome!
Poet, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, shares a poem every day. In the initial part of one recent poem, “Rapture“, she describes stopping to listen after hearing a bird call, and speculates on the power of that listening. The final lines to the poem are:
“…tuning with wonder, thrill lacing
our spellbound silence as we slip
through the narrow gate of amazement
and more wholly into the world.”
I can so relate to that moment of intense awareness and to slipping through that “narrow gate of amazement.” I’ve been thinking a lot about how to find joy in the stress of this mixed-up world, and in the midst of missing those who are no longer with me. I’m so grateful for the the natural beauty that surrounds me and for the consistent entry to wonder that it offers. Such moments sustain me.
Sustenance
after Clint Smith
Today I will
write a poem
about being happy.
It will not be about feeling overwhelmed
by a friend’s recent diagnosis
or by yet another bombing, distress, or disappointment.
It will not splash into a pool of angst
or seek synonyms for sorrow.
But rather it will be about
a soaring hawk, wings glowing impossibly white
against blue skies.
But rather the joy of a sun-speckled path
through river-side woods and time to linger.
But rather how all these things are present
and sometimes they rise
like cream to the surface,
rich, delicious
worthy of savoring.
And how there’s always time later
to linger with grief
and world-weary worries.
But rather, today, I’ll drink deep
and write a poem
about being happy.
©Molly Hogan
This week’s Poetry Friday is hosted by Janice Scully at her blog, Salt City Verse.
Nix the comfort zone 
I agree with you, Molly. Nature provides a “moment of intense awareness”. I took a short walk tonight to be awed by nature and slip through that “narrow gate of amazement.” Thanks for sharing your feelings that added to my peace of mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you were able to get out, Carol. Your blog was particularly lovely this week. Take care!
LikeLike
Molly, the introspective nature of your poem delivers your readers to a place where a realization often occurs, reminding us that beyond our personal grief, life continues. We are pulled into it. We must learn to appreciate its healing properties. I’ve been reading ‘Poetry of Presence II’ edited by Phyllis Cole Dai & Ruby R Wilson and your poem would fit in beautifully among this collaction of mindful poems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Alan. I’ll need to check out that anthology.
LikeLike
Wow. I am here after reading Carol V’s post and the two posts fit together really well. I can only imagine that spring in Maine…but from my ONE trip there in summer, the feel of that ocean air and sunshine so close with everything blooming must be intoxicating. Thank you for giving me a walk in your happy place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last spring was so dark and dreary. This year it’s been utterly gorgeous and I’m loving every minute of it!
LikeLike
Love this. Favorite line (for the word smithing):
“seek synonyms for sorrow.”
Big truth that what we focus on matters. I’ll keep my hand on the “narrow gate of amazement” so I don’t accidentally let it slam shut.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, focus is so important, isn’t it? I thought about using that word in the title…
LikeLike
“But rather the joy” That is what I need today. I am in the process of cancelling our Europe trip. Jeff is now in a boot for healing and we don’t want to lug a boot overseas. So I look to the joy to find a way through.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Margaret, I’m so sorry to hear that. I am sure you will find some other joy to fill those days, but I know there must be all sorts of other emotions roiling right now. Hope Jeff continues to heal well!!!
LikeLike
Margaret, I’m so sad about this. What a hard decision…and yet, smart to make it based on the reality of what life is at the moment and whether the trip would be a joy or a stress. Huge hugs to you…
LikeLike
I feel sad sometimes, knowing those who rarely feel the utter satisfaction of being out in the world, “like cream to the surface,” and “having time to linger”. Your poem made me happy, too, Molly! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad it made you happy, Linda. I often look around me and give thanks for all the green (or white in winter) in place of concrete or war-torn vistas, or whatever. I am deeply grateful and aware that it’s a privilege to have such beauty around me.
LikeLike
Yay, Molly! Yay, the courage to stand up in the midst of the disorder and commit to seeking joy and beauty. I wonder sometimes if that was what Jesus’ words hinted at: “The poor you will always have with you” (Mk14:7). There will always be world-weary burdens. We must look for the joy through that “narrow gate of amazement.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t the “narrow gate of amazement” such a wonderful image!? I love Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer’s poetry.
LikeLike
Molly, I love your post. Your poem is a gift. It points out such an important truth–both the beauty and the grief will always be there, waiting for us. But the one we look for and focus on is what we’ll live in right this second. Your description of home is so lovely–we’re just in a suburban townhome, but we back up to a retention pond, and green and sunlight and water and birdsong are what I feel surrounding me. ❤
LikeLike
“seek synonyms for sorrow” I hear that. I love that you’re finding joy in the midst of so much of this world’s heartbreak/heartache.
LikeLike
Here’s to looking for sun-speckled paths in a world of worry! Well-stated, Molly!
LikeLike
Oh, Molly, I can relate deeply to this and I adore it.
I love the whole thing, but wanted to highlight the way these lines jumped out at me:
But rather how all these things are present
and sometimes they rise
like cream to the surface,
rich, delicious
worthy of savoring.
Sometimes I need to be reminded to marvel at the wonders that are present, the beauties that bring me the sustenance with which this poem so aptly sparkles.
LikeLike
Forgot to mention that I recently attended a Zoom webinar with Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer and James Crews and it was such a peaceful, lovely experience. They both have such soothing and beautiful voices that invite one into being present.
LikeLike
Molly, gorgeous poem. Yes! I too am grateful for “the consistent entry to wonder that [natural beauty] offers.” (Beautifully put that is!)
LikeLike
Thanks Molly for your invitation to welcome happiness in the midst of all, and to welcome it with nature, which is such a wonder-filled distraction to soak in. Your verdant hilltop sounds lovely, enjoy!
LikeLike