I've been rereading my tired and worn copy of Leaves of Grass since the end of winter break. At points in the semester when my mind won't let me settle in for a novel, poetry and cookbooks fill my reading time. These two poems spoke to me on the heels of the inauguration.
13. To YouThe round up this week is being hosted by Laura Purdie Salas. Do stop by and take in all the great poetry being shared this week. Happy poetry Friday, all!
Stranger! if you, passing, meet me, and desire to speak to me, why should you not speak to me?
And why should I not speak to you?
53. This Moment, Yearning and Thoughtful
This moment yearning and thoughtful, sitting alone,
It seems to me there are other men in other lands, yearning and thoughtful;
It seems to me I can look over and behold them, in Germany, Italy, France, Spain—or far, far away, in China, or in Russia or India—talking other dialects;
And it seems to me if I could know those men, I should become attached to them, as I do to men in my own lands;
O I know we should be brethren and lovers,
I know I should be happy with them.
Yearning and thoughtful: perfect!
ReplyDeleteCookbooks and poems: cool!
Yes, those two are especially relevant to this week's events. You've whetted my appetite for more Whitman.
ReplyDeleteYeah, why ISN'T there more poetry in cookbooks? I like to read and stir at the same time, although sometimes, that causes problems. :)
ReplyDeleteSince college, I have developed SUCH A MUCH GREATER APPRECIATION for Whitman that's amazing.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes -- poetry is for when your mind cannot settle. I like to read Carl Sandburg at those times...
Poetry in cookbooks - a genius notion. Market that right away, Tricia!
ReplyDeleteLeaves of Grass is pretty awesome - no wonder John Green ran with it for Paper Towns.
I just received my facsimile of the original 1855 edition of Song of Myself with my American Poetry Review (APR)subscription --so lovely to read in a large newspaper format.
ReplyDeleteWalt Whitman has been perfect this week. I could hear America Singing in Elizabeth Alexander's poem, and I loved that.
ReplyDeleteMFK Fisher comes close to poetry in a cookbook-- perfect writing. I feel the same way about Laurie Colwin's Home Cooking and More Home Cooking. There is Maya Angelou's Hallelujah! The Welcome Table, too. All are delicious ways to fall asleep at night.
Lovely chocies, and thanks for reminding me of Whitman. I studied his poetry at university and loved it. Must read more.
ReplyDelete