— after the painting by Diego Velàzquez, ca. 1619

She is the vessels on the table before her:

the copper pot tipped toward us, the white pitcher
clutched in her hand, the black one edged in red
and upside down. Bent over, she is the mortar
and the pestle at rest in the mortar—still angled
in its posture of use. She is the stack of bowls
and the bulb of garlic beside it, the basket hung
by a nail on the wall and the white cloth bundled
in it, the rag in the foreground recalling her hand.
She’s the stain on the wall the size of her shadow—
the color of blood, the shape of a thumb. She is echo
of Jesus at table, framed in the scene behind her:
his white corona, her white cap. Listening, she leans
into what she knows. Light falls on half her face.

by Natasha Trethewey
1966 –

Always thinking ahead, I am posting this poem on Good Friday in anticipation Easter, that celebration of the Resurrection, the resurrected Christ who is featured in the background of this version of Velasquez’s painting. The depiction of the supper at Emmaus has been a popular theme in art since the Renaissance.  As I re-read the story in the latter part of Luke, I found no mention of who prepared the meal.  But we all know someone did.

Poet Trethewey has been on my radar for a couple of years, since she’s from Georgia, an Emory University professor. Although some of her work has been labeled *politically correct*, I find this one suitably current. Remember the recent book-adapted-to-film, The Help?  The movie won several Oscars.  One was for Best Supporting Actress. The plot focused on the work of domestics and what they overheard from the kitchen.  Interesting correlation, no?  

Furthermore, the style of verse found in The Kitchen Maid reminds me of a similar one based on Vermeer’s Woman Holding a Balance, penned by Marilyn McEntyre.  Here’s a link to it.

Back to the point ~

May the blessings from the communion meal we will share in three days be celebrated every Sunday, and not just once a year.

Happy Easter!

Privileged and educated, this 16th century lady in the portrait on the right was involved in religious reform through her dialogue with prominent French figures of Evangelism and the publication of her writings and poetry.

A few years ago my preacher featured her in a sermon.

Now I am participating in an online book club and we’re reading Russell Kirk’s The Roots of American Order.  

So, in addition to my weekly chapter synopsis, I think I will highlight of poem (or portion of a poem) from each chapter/time period.

This week we’re reading about the Renaissance and the Reformation.  Kirk references lots of men, and rightly so.  

But there were a few influential women, like Marguerite d’Angouleme.

The following verse is from her religious poem, Mirror of the Sinful Soul, which was significant enough at the time to draw the attention of the future queen of England (Elizabeth I) who had it translated from French into English.

Since my desire is now to celebrate
Thy triumphs, Word divine, impart to me
Such sweet accords and lofty harmonies
That no defect shall marr my song to Thee.
To sing Thy praises, Lord, is my intent
If by Thy Spirit Thou inspire my pen….
Thus, trusting, Lord, in Thy abundant grace
And knowing Thou wilt guide and lead me on,
I will begin to show the reason why
Thou first didst have compassion on mankind.

Marguerite’s legacy deserves more than a nod.

The Dutch humanist Desiderius Erasmus wrote to her ~

“For a long time I have cherished all the many excellent gifts that God bestowed upon you; prudence worthy of a philosopher; chastity; moderation; piety; an invincible strength of soul, and a marvelous contempt for all the vanities of this world. Who could keep from admiring, in a great king’s sister, such qualities as these, so rare even among the priests and monks?”

Here’s what I had to say about her in 2009.

I’m adding a biography about her to my reading list, although the ones about her daughter, Jeanne d’Albrecht might be more affordable.

Spring has sprung early here in Georgia, but I still have hopes that I can locate one of these service trees that inspired this poet who grew up not to far from where I live. The Bradford Pears (Callery) are particularly aromatic; the neighbor’s apple trees not so much.

We Could Wish Them a Longer Stay

Plum, peach, apple and pear
And the service tree on the hill
Unfold blossom and leaf.
From them comes scented air
As the brotherly petals spill.
Their tenure is bright and brief.

We could wish them a longer stay,
We could wish them a charmed bough
On a hill untouched by the flow
Of consuming time; but they

Are lovelier, dearer now
Because they are soon to go,
Plum, peach, apple and pear
And the service blooms whiter than snow.

                             -Byron Herbert Reece (in Bow Down in Jericho, 1950)

Have you ever seen a service bloom?

Here’s a link to the Georgia Native Plant Society’s page about the Serviceberry.

Here’s a link to a short article about the poem.

Here’s a link to my 2008 selection by Reece.

Here

Instead of counting candles,

Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings now,
As your birthday nears.

Consider special people 
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there.

Think about the memories
Passing  years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are

Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
“Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!”

by Joanna Fuchs

Homemade Hummingbird Cake is a Springtime favorite in our family.

Here’s the link to the recipe.

  “It’s what kids once learned a long time ago. . .what this nation
was founded on–morality, memorization of poetry, learning to read
aloud, to do arithmetic, and to do what literate people do in society.”

—Marva Collins.

 “I still don’t see why anyone would ever
          read a poem,”
the young man, student, told us on TV.
Answers came lame, and all the wrong
           protesting ones.

I would have said, why, one would read a poem
for the reason you might watch a cat—
its grace notes curling, stretching, those
            little hairs, sunburst
on haunches, stone-lion-crouched,
the quivering intelligent tail, the eyes,
            marble-miraculous gleaming.

“But what’s the use of it?”

No use. No use in tapping your foot in time
            to tunes,
or driving along, car windows down, wind in your
            hair,
and the smell of river bottoms and plowed fields,
            or even fertilizer.

You’d read a poem to delight the ear and eye,
for something to wonder about,
to take a moment out, to touch what’s real
that you don’t have to; watching flocks
            of small birds wheeling
on sluices of the air we breathe,
or hawk or eagle, plummeting,
or motionless aloft on that same air.

To put a frame around this moment, tape it down
            and get a handle on it.

Like stroking that sweet feline in your lap.

— Harriet Stovall Kelley
(1933 –    )

This poem won The Inez Puckett McEwen Memorial Award, 1989, awarded by the Poetry Society of Texas. 

Photo Credit: “Athena”
Margaret Jordan
Summer 1984 

Kicking off my sixth year of posting a poem-a-day in honor of National Poetry Month, I am pleased that this year April 1st falls on a Sunday and that I can use that as a reason to highlight the best poetry of all – God’s Word.

Four years ago our minister started preaching through the Book of Psalms, one per Sunday. With a few exceptions and maybe one hiatus, we are nearing the finish line.

Today (Palm Sunday) many preachers may have focused on Jesus’s ride on a donkey into Jerusalem, if the congregation follows the church calendar. According to the Gospels there were crowds who gathered to greet the Savior – to honor and praise Him.

Providentially Psalm 135 was our sermon’s text. No specific reference to this triumphal entry, but twenty-one verses of unadulterated adulation where 1)the saints are commanded to praise the LORD (v1-3), 2)the content of that praise is delineated (v4-18), and 3)a concluding call for more praise is issued to all God’s people (v19-21). Here’s the link to the audio version of the sermon.

Hopefully you will consider reading this psalm today. I’m typing out each and every word (not copying and pasting). For me it’s a mnemonic exercise.

Here’s the King James Version for two reasons:

1) the language is more lovely (pleasant vs3) than all other translations, and especially for memorization
2) the KJV recently celebrated it’s four hundredth anniversary (1611 – 2011)

Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,
Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that he did in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.
Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.
Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.
Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;
Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:
And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.
Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD throughout all generations.
For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
They they make them are like unto them: so is everyone that trusteth in them.
Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:
Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

The bulk of this poem (v4-18) centers around what God has accomplished for His people: exactly what should be the content of our praise.

 
Daffodils                                           by Herbert Davis Richter
Oil on canvas                                       English Painter
29 x 24 inches                                        1871 – 1955

The daffodils bloomed early this year, but I keep thinking about them and this artist.  I just stumbled upon him, using one of his painting to illustrate a book review a couple of years back.   Today, however, Emily Dickinson’s poem seems fitting as text, even though Wordsworth’s verse about daffodils is more directly related.  I’m gearing up for posting a poem a day in April.  Join me?

Dear March - Come in!
How glad I am!
I hoped for you before.

Put down your hat -
You must have walked -
How out of Breath you are!
Dear March, how are you?
and the rest?
Did you leave Nature well?
Oh March, Come right upstairs with me,
I have so much to tell!

I got your Letter, and the bird's:
The Maples never knew 
that you were coming - I declare
How red their faces grew!
But March, forgive me -
And all those hills
You left for me to hue -
There was no purple suitable -
You took it all with you.

Who knocks? That April!
Lock the Door!
I will not be pursued!
He stayed away a year, to call
When I am occupied.
But trifles look so trivial
As soon as you have come
That blame is just as dear as praise
And praise as mere as blame.

Admiring both the British politician and the American actress, I made haste to see the newly released film, The Iron Lady.

You should too!

Baroness Thatcher is living courageously in her final years, continuing to break barriers (the movie makes very public the heart and mind of a prominent yet aging lady);

and always acknowledging duty (promoting freedom and liberty well after her political career ended).

That’s how I had the privilege to meet her.

First, in person.

In February 1999, my alma mater, Hillsdale College, hosted an event here in Atlanta, where I had the chance to meet Lady Thatcher (along with my parents who are in the photo above).  Notice that Mrs. Thatcher is holding my mother’s hand.  

Here’s the link to her speech The Challenge of Educating for 21st Century Citizenship via Imprimis’s Archive (scroll down – it is after Forbes’).

Then on screen.

The Iron Lady is a worthy heroine.  

In light of our current presidential primaries, I relish the chance to revisit her political views and accomplishments.  They might open the eyes of some young American voters.

During the movie, I so wanted to take notes and write down pertinent quotes like *Economics is akin managing your household*.

But I resisted the urge, returning paper and pen to my purse, yet retaining Kleenex.

Instead I focused on enjoying the story.

So, make plans.

Find a friend and take in this picture show.

Get to know Margaret Hilda Roberts Thatcher.

Look for my favorite scene – the one in the doctor’s office where… 

Ignoring infirmities Lady Thatcher demonstrates remarkable clarity of mind and body for her physician when she explains that feelings are not what’s important ~

Watch your thoughts for they become words.
Watch your words for they become actions.
Watch your actions for they become…habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny!
What we think we become.

My father always said that…

and I think I am fine.

I agree!

Devotional books abound.

So, no doubt you own several addressing Advent and/or Christmas.

I do.

But today’s book review highlights a stellar selection in the sea of choices.

The Handel’s Messiah Family Advent Reader surpasses others because the daily readings excel in four areas:

We read a good poem. Scripture is the best writing, always worthy of reading and re-reading. Yes, even memorizing.

We hear a little song. A compact disc of the specific arias/oratorios accompanies the book, allowing for easy listening of each day’s libretto.

We see a fine painting. Thirty-two pictures/paintings illustrate and make application for the various stories, one of which is Holman Hunt’s “The Light of the World.”   I was particularly tickled to recognize it because it was also highlighted by Carolyn Weber in her memoir Surprised by Oxford, which is probably my favorite book this year.  Dont miss her Advent writings this year at her website, PressingSave.

We speak a few reasonable words.  Each day’s essay expands the topic in a way that all age-groups can grasp. It makes you want to talk about it. Plus the narrative is informative with *End Notes* where one can *read more about it*, if desired.

We have all heard Messiah over and over, but have you really studied it?

Cindy Rollins’ essay give some good reasons at Circe’s blog (I’m listening to that CD in the car). But there’s nothing like having a personal stake (a child involved).

A few years ago I spent more time studying Messiah because daughters were singing it with their college choral group.  Here’s the link to those blog posts based on Roger Bullard’s fine book, Messiah:  The Gospel according to Handel’s Oratorio, which is excellent and erudite.

The Handel’s Messiah Family Advent Reader makes the task easer, more accessible, and especially enjoyable.

I highly recommend it.

What are you using for Advent Devotions this year?

Wendell-Berry-Like is the best way to describe the stories in our family book called My Flovilla.

Penned by my great-aunt just a few years before she died, twenty-four tales tell of her formative years, share sibling love, and leave a legacy.

This Fall I’ve had the opportunity to partner in the production of the Second Edition (that’s another story) of this family treasure which is now available for sale at this website.

Even though I’d read the book before, I read again with delight, and again more slowly – seeing and hearing things I had not recognized before.

Here are some examples ~

1) The trip to the dam for a picnic represented an event of historic proportion. This year marked the GA Power Centennial Celebration of Lloyd Shoals Dam, in which our great-great grandfather William Ferguson Smith was commended.

Aunt Genie’s short story reinforces my appreciation for another favorite Georgia author Terry Kay and his The Year the Lights Came On.

2) Settling sibling disputes with mock trials shed light on the real-life personalities of these unknown-to-me great aunt and uncles, but especially my beloved maternal grandfather, Albert Linch – always the prosecuting attorney.

3) Rearing a family takes hard work no matter when and where you live. Sometimes world events (in this case WWI) overshadow and everybody pulls together. So, the chapter entitled The Farmmay be my favorite based on this quote:

Our little farm has served us well.

While none of my brothers became farmers, the lessons learned working together on the land and keeping busy in a meaningful way stood them in good stead all the rest of their lives.

I would hope that each of them carried with him a collection of memories as happy as my own of the days when we were farmers in a world at war.

Reading really does transport you allowing answers to questions you never knew you had.  We learn about growing up in community, in a real-live Port William, called Flovilla.

Thanks, Eugenie Talitha Linch aka Aunt Genie!

For taking the time to share yourself.

Then and now.

Love,

a grateful great-niece