You may be surprised to see a post from me today because it's not one of my usual blogging days, but April is National Poetry Month, and as in years past, a group of us is marking the occasion by sharing poetry every Thursday this month. Kym is our fearless leader, and you'll also find posts from Bonny, Kat, and Vera this month.
Each Thursday, we have a theme. Today's is (as you might guess) "Poems about Hope." Hope is always something important to have, but I think it's never more important than during times of uncertainty. At this time five years ago, when we were stuck at home and had no idea when that would end, I took great comfort from seeing the signs of spring emerging outside during my daily walks. There really is nothing more hopeful than seeing how nature persists in spite of everything, so I think you'll understand why this poem by Ted Kooser spoke so well and so loudly to me.
Dandelion
The first of a year's abundance of dandelions
is this single kernel of bright yellow
dropped on our path by the sun, sensing
that we might need some marker to help us
find our way through life, to find a path
over the snow-flattened grass that was
blade by blade unbending into green,
on a morning early in April, this happening
just at the moment I thought we were lost
and I'd stopped to look around, hoping
to see something I recognized. And there
it was, a commonplace dandelion, right
at my feet, the first to bloom, especially
yellow, as if pleased to have been the one,
chosen from all the others, to show us the way.
From How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope, edited by James Crews (c) 2021, Storey Publishing
"...this happening
ReplyDeletejust at the moment I thought we were lost"
Thank you so much for this poem! I loved the bit above especially. Yes, we felt so hopeless five years ago and I think many of us are feeling that way yet again. But there are have been glimpses of hope this week haven't there? And that's what I'll be holding on to!
They are "especially yellow" and they bring me the most delight! I was the recipient of many a dandelion bouquet, picked by my children and I am telling you... nothing was more beloved! It turns out that hope is indeed spring up all over... and not just in the dandelions! (Senator Booker streamed hope into all of our hearts this week as did those amazing voters in Wisconsin!!)
ReplyDeleteSuch an apt and timely poem, Sarah. I tend to be a fan of dandelions - and especially in the spring (and I'm also a big James Crews fan. . . ). I especially love this line . . . a "single kernel of bright yellow dropped on our path by the sun, sensing that we might need some marker to help us find our way through life." Perfection! XO
ReplyDeleteCount me as another who loves cheery dandelions! They are such an intense yellow and when I see them I can't help but smile. (side note: Fletch does not feel the same way...). Thanks for sharing this poem Sarah.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and hopeful poem from Ted Kooser! I saw some bits of hope in the news this week, and will be looking for the first to bloom, especially yellow, proud to be chosen dandelion!
ReplyDeleteFor years now, every time I see a dandelion I think about Kym and how much she loves them. I haven't always seen them as signs of hope, though, and clearly, they are!
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