Edna St. Vincent Millay was one of the first poets I loved. When most poems seemed a bit unnecessary and convoluted, hers always seemed just right. My taste in poetry has expanded greatly in the last few years but my love for her poems has not changed. I shall go back again to the bleak shoreAnd build a little shanty on the sand,In such a way that the extremest bandOf brittle seaweed will escape my doorBut by a yard or two; and nevermoreShall I return to take you by the hand;I shall be gone to what I understand,And happier than I ever was before.The love that stood a moment in…

William Morris was an English poet, writer, activist, and textile designer. He is associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement. His house, Red House, is now part of the National Trust and it is also possible to tour his country home, Kelmscott Manor. During his lifetime he was best known for his poems but in recent years he is more well-known for his designs. I chose today’s poem and then realized that it is part of a much longer poem but I am only going to share this section. Love is enough: though the World be a-waningAnd the woods have no voice but the voice of complaining,Though the sky…

It is interesting how my reaction to poems changes from week to week. I save a list of ones that appeal to me but I never know which one is going to jump out when it is time to choose a poem. This week it is Mary Oliver. Sometimes the word pictures of nature scenes that her writing provides is just what I need. I do not know what gorgeous thingthe bluebird keeps saying,his voice easing out of his throat,beak, body into the pink airof the early morning. I like itwhatever it is. Sometimesit seems the only thing in the worldthat is without dark thoughts.Sometimes it seems the only thingin…