Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) Now, before we get to Joyce Sidman’s beautiful poem, I have neglected to post my year-end wishes. So, here you go, with joy and gratitude that you are part of my book and poetry world in some way.
For my teacher friends:
And for my writer friends:
OK, now for some poetry, which is what you came for! It’s been cold (of course) here in Minnesota lately, which puts me in the mood for winter poetry! Here’s a favorite poem from my friend Joyce Sidman’s Winter Bees. This book is a few years old now, but it’s magically new every winter when I reach for it:>)
What Do the Trees Know?
What do the trees know?
To bend when all the wild winds blow.
Roots are deep and time is slow.
All we grasp we must let go.
What do the trees know?
Buds can weather ice and snow.
Dark gives way to sunlight’s glow.
Strength and stillness help us grow.
–Joyce Sidman, from Winter Bees, all rights reserved
Line four breaks my heart every time I read this poem. Sigh. I shared another poem from this gorgeous book here.
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with the generous Buffy Silverman at Buffy’s Blog!
Oh, I love Winter Bees, and this poem especially. Thanks for sharing it, and Happy Holidays back at you!
Must admit that Winter Bees is a favorite book of mine. I recently attended the Highlights Poetry workshop and was asked to bring a favorite book of poetry to share. This is the book I brought. Happiest of happy holidays to you.
Wonderful! Love knowing that connection:>)
Thank you, friend. Your wishes are heartfelt and the poetry has a home in my heart. I have so loved getting to know this blog and you more over the past year. I look forward to celebrating your next success.
I just put this on my list of things to read. Thank you for sharing. So happy to find kindred spirits w/the love of verse! Sunlights glow…
Poetry Friday is a wonderful community, Suzy. Happy you’re here!
Thanks for the wishes, Laura, and I’m wishing the same right back! “Winter Bees” is a favorite of mine, too. This poem is a beautiful ode to our wonderful trees: “Strength and stillness help us grow.” They wait patiently. Happy Christmas!
You, too, Linda!
I adore the gentle, quiet wisdom of this poem. It just sounds like trees. Thank you for bringing it out today. And thank you for your generous words and images. You give all of us so much. I send you tons of love and good cheer throughout the season and alllll the way through 2018, Laura! xxoo
Thank you, Amy! I’ve been sporadic in Poetry Friday this year, and I’ve missed it when not here. I know you will make 2018 magical–you have that knack!
A favorite of mine, too, and a beautiful book to put out on display in the library each winter.
You are right, that fourth line is just so poignantly true. Beautiful ending to 2017 today. I’m so glad you are in the poetry world!
Thank you, Donna:>) You, too!
I’m very fond of this book too, and also of trees, thanks for sharing it here Laura. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Thanks, Michelle! And thank you for your beautiful paintings. Sigh. I really love them.
They certainly are wise beyond our imagination! Thank you for sharing, Laura. I definitely did some swooning as I read this!
I’m not familiar with this book, but will be looking forward to a lovely read during the break. Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to you.
What a wonderful poem! Thanks for sharing it! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Such timely reminders. Trees know so much. (Have you read The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben? If not, do.)
I haven’t, Mary Lee. Just put it on my tbr shelf. Thanks!
A person writing poems about things she has lost can use to enjoy this poem all over again, line 4 and all. Thanks for the card (I get two!) and for this reminder of Winter Bees. Merry and bright to you and yours, Laura!
Thank you, Heidi–you, too!
Thank you for the warm holiday wishes and lovely poem. I wish the same for you! Now to go find a copy of Joyce Sidham’s book to read the rest!
It’s just beautiful, Kay. Enjoy! And thanks for the good wishes!
What wonderful poetry to bridge the years. Happy New Year!