April is national poetry month. In honor of this ancient and beautiful literary form, I am offering three short poems for your enjoyment and pondering. I suggest you read each poem slowly and aloud.
The first poem is by someone most of you know: John Hopkins a regular reader and responder on this blog. (I was talking to two of my cousins recently. Both are readers of my blog. One said, “I always like to read what John Hopkins writes. He uses few words to same some really good things!) John, a high school English teacher, just published his third book of poetry called, With Caught Rain (available on Amazon). Here is the first poem in the book called “Sometimes.” What I love about this poem is how it captures a moment of true happiness–not the extraordinary and showy kind. But the ordinary, simple, daily happiness of having a cat, noticing spring outside the window, having your hands in sudsy water, and hearing your wife singing upstairs while doing some housework.
“Sometimes” – by John Hopkins
Sometimes,
happiness is sudden,
like when the cat decides to circle curl herself
onto your lap on a cold,
rainy, April afternoon
and then stays
even when you prop your book on her fur.
It was on such a day
I heard you singing.
At the sink, my hands
enscounced in suds,
moving the sponge over plates,
the window showing the world greening
from the ground up
I heard you upstairs:
moving things, vacuuming, opening and closing,
singing, now and then, snippets of songs from the radio.
Later, you would tell me the cat,
serving as your assistant,
deemed it necessary,
to examine every drawer
you opened.
Have you ever had a moment when you’re doing ordinary, daily tasks, and suddenly happiness shows up? If so, what were doing? And how did happiness come?
Were there any words of phrases in this poem that you really liked or identified with?
Our second poem is a haiku by Robert Siegel, an American cotemporary poet. A haiku (as you may remember from your days in elementary or high school) is a three line poem 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third line. Sometimes the number of syllables varies a little.
Yellow flames flutter
about the feeder:
a Pentecost of finches.
Any comments about this tiny poem?
April in the United States is the beginning of baseball season. And baseball is my favorite sport. The game has often been used as a metaphor for life. Baseball involves making “sacrifice” plays, being thrown a lot of curve balls, and getting home safely as the ultimate goal. To me, a double play can be as beautiful as a well-coordinated dance move. A diving catch in the outfield blends perfect timing with total commitment. And a 420-foot home run is the marriage of superior hand-eye coordination with brute power. Here is my poem about the shortstop–or is it really a poem about how to live our lives?
“The Shortstop”
Live your life like a good shortstop.
Dare to stand in the between spaces of life’s active infield.
Plant yourself firmly yet lightly on the balls of your feet.
Crouch forward slightly, ready to spring in any direction:
left, right, forward, back.
Build arm strength, work on your range.
Master these essential skills:
take an angle on the ball, get in front of it,
block it with your chest if need be.
A temporary bruise is a small price to pay
for preventing the opposition from scoring.
Embrace the fact that more balls are hit to you than to any other position.
At every moment in the game you might get
a sharp grounder, a crazy bouncer, a stinging line drive,
a popup a mile high–
all from Fortune’s bat.
Be poised to glove whatever comes your way
and humbly make the play.
Do any words or phrases in this poem describe where you have been in life in the past–or where you are now?
What other ways is the game of baseball a metaphor for life?
Do you have a favorite sport to watch or to play? What does this sport teach you about life?
PS: I will be giving a retreat at the Assisi Spirituality Center in Rochester, MN, May 15-18, and May 18-21. It is an in-person and zoom retreat. You can sign up for either part of the retreat or both parts. See their website for details: www.rochesterfranciscan.org or call: 507-282-7441. I hope to see a few of you there–either in person or via zoom!
Most songs are really poems set to music. With that in mind, here is a fourth “poem” called “Compassion Walks the City Streets.” The original poem was written by Sister Genevieve Glen, OSB. It was set to music by Justin Wedgewood. The song is a beautiful personification of Compassion. We here at our SND Center recently learned this song for Lent…
I invite you to write a comment below about the poems, the pictures, or the song:
55 Responses
Happiness shows up when my bird friends sing to me. I often sing to them too, (usually songs of blessing) that are punctuated by their caw caw caw, or kai kai kai, or chipchip, chipchip or dee dee dee. Sometimes there’s a swee-dee instead, or a cheer cheer cheer. And often some I haven’t identified yet. It’s such a delight to see and hear my beautiful feathered friends.
Annie, I couldn’t agree with you more. Last year I witnessed on my porch railing a male house finch teaching his son to sing. I had read that some species actually teach their offspring to sing, but that was the first time I witnessed it from only a few feet away! It is a memory I’ll always treasure! Melannie
Wow, Melannie! That was truly a special experience. Did you try to learn to sing in Finch? 🙂
Happiness shows up daily for me, truly, as I get to teach and lead my elementary school students in Physical Education class. I have many moments during the day where the students show me God‘s great love in their kind words and actions. These are “God moments.” I love pointing these out to the whole class! Which in turn promotes more love and kindness! Or just an ordinary part of my class, when students are having fun and their joyful laughter fills the gym….. in my mind I stop and thank God for the blessing of being a PE Teacher!
Mary, I was inspired by your words. How lucky your students are to have a teacher who likes being their teacher! That’s one of the greatest gifts you give them! Melannie
I also love baseball, Cincinnati Reds fan here! Happiness is sunshine, my grandchildren hugging me and saying “I love you, Grandma”, a good walk on a warm day.
I believe Monks make daily tasks part of their prayer. I like to think of that while I’m doing housework, or more likely something creative like my sewing and quilting. It brings me happiness to think of the person I’m making the object for, and I say a little prayer for them.
Kathy, thank you for sharing a few specific experiences where happiness shows up for you. Yes, if we don’t encounter happiness in the ordinary, we miss out on a lot of happiness in life… We Cleveland fans LOVED Terry Francona, your new Reds’ manager. Treat him well. He’s a special guy! Melannie
The baseball poem meant a great deal to me, Sr. Melannie, as well as your commentary on it. My husband was a devoted baseball fan, and he passed away on March 8. His Memorial Mass is tomorrow. He is now “safely home,” and I will remember that as I watch a variety of games alone in his memory.
Susan,
My heart and prayers are with you at this time….I hope many menories of your life together bring smiles!
Blessings,
Mary
Susan, My deepest sympathy on the death of you beloved husband…I will hold him and you in special prayer… Melannie
Dear Susan, I am so very sorry for the loss of you beloved husband. Being a widow myself I can tell you to keep those precious memories alive. I think of my husband in Heaven and how very happy he must be now. I will keep you in my prayers.
Michelle
As a poet writer myself I loved them all.
John’s especially.
Poetry simple or complex beautiful word pictures enabling feelings.
Love your site sister!
Greg, I like your words “Poetry simple or complex beautiful word pictures enabling feelings.”… And thatnks for loving my blog. I’m very grateful! Melannie
God wants us to be happy.
Amen, Jim! Melannie
I love all these poems! While I don’t know John Hopkins personally I feel I do from reading his responses to your blog over the last several years. He always hits the mark. And your baseball poem? I’m thinking of those T-shirts that begin. “Live your life like a Cardinal” etc. I would love to see a T-shirt that begins “Live your life like a Shortstop….” (By the way, one of the best shortstops ever is from right here in Kalamazoo, Derek Jeter. He was making headlines in high school!
Today your post touched me in a personal way because, despite my better judgement, I’ve been reading the news this morning and I’m a bit scared. I then went on FB and see that others are scared too. After exchanging possible scenarios about the worst that could happen I said “I’m turning off my computer and going to read some poetry.” Then I remembered I had to check your blog first. Thanks for these wonderful poems.
Mary, I agree with your words about John–and how he “always hits the mark.” The first time I gave a retreat to the St. Joseph Sisters in Kalamazoo, I quickly learned that Derek Jeter was their cherished “home town boy!”… Although I believe we need to keep informed of the news, I don’t think we have to “over dose” on it every day. We need a healthy balance… and perhaps we can pray for ever news item we see or read about–with just a few words, “Jesus… be with them… God, give us direction… Thank you for people who help others… Melannie
A never forgotten memory of happiness and joy was when my, then 3 yo granddaughter, saw me across a mall and came running yelling gr-a-nd-ma! She will be 20 next month and no longer has that enthusiasm for me, but delights me when I get an unexpected text from her or any of my grandchildren, for that matter.
I had a most unusual experience of happiness/joy a couple of weeks ago when I had a bad fall on my face in the supermarket parking lot (chasing an apple that had escaped the bag). I fell right at the feet of a woman who bent down and cared for me through the whole experience…..many others gathered around me to protect me from cars and stayed with me until my brother and sister-in-law arrived to pick up the pieces….while my outward appearance was less than beautiful, my soul was singing from the evidence of God’s great love and care for me…..so the question could be, where do you find happiness/joy in the least obvious places?
I loved the poems and the song…..the baseball poem made me smile thinking of one of my brothers who was a top notch pitcher in his day and still a die-hard Braves’ fan (originally from Milwaukee, now Atlanta).
Thank you for the smiles,
Mary
Mary, I’m so sorry for your fall! But how wonderful to hear how people–strangers–came to your assistance! YOU were not on their “to-do list” that day, yet they allowed themselves to be inconvenienced to care for you… They remind me of the Good Samaritan… Thank you for sharing your story with us. Melannie
This week’s blog brought simple pure joy that innocence can. Baseball is a sport born in innocence. On Father’s Day my husband’s only request is to have a catch with his sons- now 41 and 34.
Missy, I was touched by your husband’s request for father’s day: to play catch with his two adult sons! I think your husband has his priorities right! Thank you for writing! Melannie
Dear Melanie, These poems are lovely…the cat photo is also lovely. Loved your poem on baseball. Food for thought for sure. Have a good week.
Diane, I’m glad you enjoyed the poems. That cat picture caught my eye right away too… Thank you! Melannie
A firm believer in God being director of timing in my life, today your blog touched my
soul as grandson, William would have been 25 today. He took his life March 25
last year after struggling with depression since a junior in high school.
He was the closing relief pitcher back then. His memorial prayer card has his photo post pitch and the Game of Life prayer is on the back side.
His U. Dayton friends and girlfriend came this weekend to Chicago to visit the cemetery and spend time with his family which helped all of us.
My husband of 63 years died Feb 23 in our apartment with family present. Frank and Will are together with other eternal family, giving us peace.
Thank you for this special blog today. God never fails me, especially in darkest hours!
Marilyn Woidat
Marilyn, My deepest sympathy to you on the death of your dear grandson, William. I’m sure my readers join me in promising prayers for William and all who have been touched by his death–especially you… Sounds like a beautiful memorial card for him… And then our condolences for the death of Frank also. Yes, I always like to think of heaven as the great family reunion–family meaning ALL God’s family reunion… Prayers, Melannie
Sometimes, more likely almost always my cat, Hope, makes me smile and brings me comfort. This poem hooked me immediately. It reminded me of how I used to always sing in the shower and hum as I did tasks – it made me smile at the thought of it, and wonder why I stopped so many years ago. Probably about the time I stopped playing my CDs and the trials of life taking a dip of joy. Haven’t gotten into streaming.
I have so many yellow finches visiting my feeders, I love that their descending to the feeder will now bring to mind the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Baseball…3 strikes and you’re out! So grateful for our forgiving God of mercy and second chances.
Bonnie, I used to often sing and hum as a young girl. Then I lost that “ritual”–especially when I entered the convent where we had a strict rule of silence. But when I’m driving alone in the car, I’ll sometimes sing along with a song I especially like. Or if I’m alone walking outside I’ll sing softly to myself. Thanks for reminding me of how uplifting singing has always been for me! Melannie
I love the poetry that the sang is based on. Such a beautiful reflection for Lent and truly anytime!
Oops! Song.
Thanks, Emmy! Yes, the song is for anytime! Melannie
Typos happen…
So many beautiful and touching responses today. My thoughts and prayers to all mourning a loss today.
Loved all the poems, especially John’s. Reminds of days long ago when all my siblings, mostly sisters,would clean the kitchen and wash dishes after dinner. No dishwasher in those days but we’d dance around the kitchen singing enjoying sharing a task together. Usually one of us would repeat what teaching sisters told us “singing is praying twice”.
I love baseball too and remember every time I watch a game on TV, sitting watching with my Dad, or listening on the radio when there was no television. Those memories are God’s gift. I do not have the gift for writing but appreciate others’ particularly those shared today. Thank you Melannie.
Loretta, Thanks for sharing the images that the poems conjured up for you–sharing the housework and dishes with your five sisters… and sitting and watching or listening to the Indians games with your Dad… Beautiful memories to cherish… Melannie, your “cuz”
I loved the haiku poem as I love birds at my feeders. The baseball one “Shortstop” was awesome! I am a big fan of baseball, my dad was a great shortstop in his day and one of 6 grandsons plays the outfield or first base and pitches. We will be spending many days at the baseball fields this year watching him. We attended the Brewer Spring training in Phoenix and a game in March of this year. Such a wonderful memory along with checking out the magnificent Grand Canyon!
Blessings to you Sr. Melannie. I look forward to your Monday blogs. You make me smile every Monday. 🙂
Kathy, You are a bird lover and baseball lover–a gal after my own heart! And isn’t it fun to watch yongsters or even teenagers play the game? I wish your Brewers well this year, but I reserve most of my cheering for the Cleveland Guardians. As I type this, it is the eve before our home opener. The temps tomorrow are going to be in the 30’s and 40’s… But I’ll be watching the game from the comfort of a warm couch! Thanks for writing, Kathy!
I like the baseball poem, Texas Rangers fan! I also like the words of the video and soothing music of the song. Thank you Sister Melannie!
Paula, And thank you for letting me know what you liked. Good luck to your Rangers! Melannie
Dear Melannie and all the other readers and writers who make today’s blog beautiful,
I think from what I’ve read here that spring is in many hearts beside ours. Creativity is a sign of hope and gratitude. Thanks for the beauty we perceive that stirs us to write, whether in prose or in poetry. We thus encourage each other, saying, Keep tasting and pondering. Our nods or bows of appreciation for what we perceive outside this blog and within it indicate we like this life and want to keep at it well into the future.
Please bear with this little quibble: I have never read the word “enscounced” until today. My dictionary does not show it as a variant of the word “ensconced.” I get the point, though, that John Hopkins feels very good about his hands being in that dishwater. So do I, if they are mine. I also get the pleasure anyone can have when perceiving more than one pleasure at the same time, with any of the senses, touch, hearing, seeing and the beautiful feeling of love for family and friends. And the pleasure of imagining what a shortstop thinks in the field of play. And the spiritual gift of sensing Pentecostal flames in the scene of goldfinches flying together. I am merry with the non-alcoholic beverage of this blog among these hearty companions.
George, Your words brought a smile to my face several times. I agree that my readers add so much to this blog by their words and insights… And I loved, “Keep tasting and pondering”… And the importance of “perceiving even more than pleasure at a time”… And your last line was the clincher: “I am merry with the non-alcoholic beverage of this blog among these hearty companions.” Thanks for your beautiful words! Melannie
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m taking a poetry class at our local senior center and have learned so much about this creative vehicle for sharing feelings!
Lynn, I’m edified that you are taking a poetry class at your local senior center. Good for you! I applaud all life-long learners! Thank you for writing! Melannie
I remember after a summer rain 2 young neighbors of mine laying down, fully clothed, making “rain angels” in a big puddle in the sidewalk . They were just filled with such joy and fun. It just made my heart sing!
Mary, Leave it to the creative children to remind us of what life is all about. And part of that “all of life” must include time for playfulness–or making time to delight in the gifts of our loving Creator! Thank you for sharing this spiritual experience with all of us!
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
So honored to be a part of your blog — a blog that starts our week with words of wonder, love, and grace. I would assume most of us have never seen each other, but here we are, gathered in this chapel of words.
And thank you, John, for being such a significant part of my blog! Your words of “wonder, love, and grace” bless us all! I loved your phrase here: “gathered in this chapel of words.” It would be a good title for a poem… or even a book! Thank you so much!
I also am a baseball fan–Washingtion Nationals, struggling since they won the World Series in 2019. Their win was a moment of sheer joy for us, something we never imagined could happen in our lifetimes. As far as birds, we have a camera in a bluebird box and we have been lucky enough to experience the moment an egg hatches, mothers feeding hungry little ones, and young birds (sadly for me) flying out into the spring air!
I, too, am grieving the unexpected, sudden death of my brother, my only sibling, on March 30. I’m feeling lots of guilt for not doing more for him in life, and have been prayfully apologizing to him. I know that God and my brother have already forgiven me, but I’m still working on forgiving myself.
Thanks for your blog this week, Sr. Melannie, thinking about baseball and birds has given me some relief from my grief!
Mary Joyce, Glad to meet another baseball fan. We’re both loyal to our teams–even though yours haven’t won a World Series since 2019… and my Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians) since 1948!!!… How nice to have an actual camera in a bluebird box! You are so lucky! And I sense you really appreciate what you have witnessed through it… And finally, my sympathy to you on the sudden death of your dear brother. I hope you will continue to be patient with the grieving process… and be gentle with yourself. You’re in my prayers… Melannie
Ah, if only I had poems to read in high school English classes like these I may have gotten better grades!!! That is not to say I’m blaming the English teacher…..since I wasn’t exactly the most model student. But these poems: ah—a friend of mine always tells me that doing the most ordinary tasks is prayer. And John’s poem says the same thing to me — happiness talking to the Lord. Thanks John.
And baseball — shortstop — a position I played in my younger years. I never thought of it that way but what a beautiful way. Loved it! Go Royals!
Joni, Glad the poems spoke to you today. Remember, you are a far different person than when you sat in a high school classroom studying literature. You bring your many life experiences to any poetry or books you read now… Yes, ordinary tasks can be prayer. They free the mind to get in touch with our dear God. As someone said, God is at the end of our needle, shovel, dust mop, pen… And if you played shortstop, you must have been a decent baseball player!… Thanks for writing. Although it’s early in the season, I sense our Central division will be a tight race… Go Guardians! Melannie
Thank you for this week’s blog, Sr. Melannie! My prayers for all your readers who shared their loss of loved ones. I know that it is difficult that they are no longer physically with us but I believe that they are still present in our lives.
I love spring and poetry. It always brought me joy to teach my students about various types of poetry and then listening as they shared their original creations with each other. Two things that always brought me instant joy when we owned our own home on an acre lot was cutting the grass and sitting on the deck watching the birds at the feeder in the middle of the back yard. It was so peaceful riding the mower alone and smelling the scent of fresh cut grass. After filling the feeder with seeds we would join our tuxedo cats and watch whoever showed up to the banquet (yes, even the squirrels or stray deer). It was like our own little piece of heaven!
God bless you Sr. Melannie and God bless each of us!
Martha, Yes, I believe also that our deceased loved ones are closer to us than we can imagine… Glad you had your students write their own poetry too… And I really resonate with your two examples of joy-inducing activities–mowing the lawn and watching the bird feeder. Yes, the ordinary at times can be “a little piece of heaven.” Thanks for writing! Melannie
A little late in getting to your blog this week, but each of the poems felt close to me. I’m not usually a big fan of poetry loved each in its own way. As on the first poem, lately I too have been appreciating tge simple things in life. The baby birds at my feeder, the spring flowers poking out of the ground, the fluffy clouds in the blue sky and watching a family of fox living under my neighbor’s she’d but playing in my yard. I’m a big grossed out when mom brings home “dinner” for them but it’s so cute to watch the 4 kits chase each other around. Also enjoyed the poem about a shortstop, a great analogy of going through life preparing for the unknown but knowing God with always be there to “push” me down the right paths. Thank you for such great inspirations each week!
Karen, It’s never too late to write a comment… I liked your examples of appreciating the simple things–and spring certainly offers many chances. I especially envy you for being able to watch the mother fox and her four kits. What a privilege that is–and right in your neighbor’s and your own backyards! Thank you for enriching this blog with your wise words! Melannie
I intended to reply right away, and then life distracted me. I just wanted to say that John Hopkins poem is like a reflection on my life. However, Bella the cat sits on my lap, I do the dishes and my husband sings or plays his harmonica in another room. It is a blessed life.
Joan Marie, I always think that someone who is in touch with the small blessings in their life (as you and John are!) is close to God. Thank you for your beautiful sharing. Melannie