“The Word” – A Poem for Friday
I am not a poet. And though an English major in college, I often felt like I didn’t “get” the poems I was assigned. In the years since, I’ve come not just to appreciate poetry but to savor it. The trick, at least for me, is to slow down. I am accustomed to reading quickly and poetry stymies the impatient reader. The other key has been to stop trying to “figure out” the poem and instead let the words affect you, even wash over you, and then notice what happened when the waters recede.
Moreover, I’ve learned a lot about language from poets – about how strict discipline, playful intentionality, and a willingness to risk odd juxtapositions and quirky images can help you create an effect beyond the reach of ordinary prose. So whether you are a preacher, teacher, speaker, or just a lover of good conversation, I believe poetry has something for you.
In that spirit I’ll post from time to time a favorite poem and offer a word or two about why I liked it or what it taught me. The first, by Tony Hoagland and called – perhaps appropriately for this site – “The Word” – seems perfect for a Friday. I love how when I read it slowly (and it helps to do so aloud, if you dare) I feel it expand off the page, radiating as if warmed by the sunlight it describes to invite me into another space, where delight and pleasure matter as much as work. Read it knowing that I hope you find some sunlight amid the broccoli and thread this weekend.
The Word
Down near the bottom
of the crossed-out list
of things you have to do today,
between “green thread”
and “broccoli” you find
that you have penciled “sunlight.”
Resting on the page, the word
is as beautiful, it touches you
as if you had a friend
and sunlight were a present
he had sent you from some place distant
as this morning — to cheer you up,
and to remind you that,
among your duties, pleasure
is a thing,
that also needs accomplishing
Do you remember?
that time and light are kinds
of love, and love
is no less practical
than a coffee grinder
or a safe spare tire?
Tomorrow you may be utterly
without a clue
but today you get a telegram,
from the heart in exile
proclaiming that the kingdom
still exists,
the king and queen alive,
still speaking to their children,
–to any one among them
who can find the time,
to sit out in the sun and listen.
Tony Hoagland, from Sweet Ruin (1992)
I really like this poem and what you had to share about poetry. I shared this post of Facebook.
Thanks for the “breath” between my to do lists. Speaking of poetry – though not that specifically… Have you ever read George Macdonald’s “fairy tales”? The quote, unquote is because they are so much more than fairy tales. This poem reminded me of one I absolutely love: “The Light Princess.”
I read George MacDonald years ago but only remember the title of “The Light Princess.” I’ll look for it again – thanks!
It is good to take a breath. It’s essential, in fact. to do so. As for fairy tales… I wonder if they were intended to be taken as lightly as we take them. Most have something to say, if we only listen.
Sunlight..
Curate’s Awakening (actually a rework of that title by Michael Glaston “The Curate of Glaston”) was very influential in my faith journey and discernment. The character Polworth really strikes a chord.
Not so much about poetry, but beautiful and profound prose.
This poem is beautiful, uplifting. This word, like The Word, pierces the darkness What a powerful thing.
Thank you for calling attention to slowing down, reading out loud and listening.
I just now “discovered” this resource/help. I have always liked to use poetry, espcially during Lent. My favorite poem for the latte part of season is “Good Friday, 1613 Riding Westward” J Donne
Love the poem and you are correct, I can feel it radiate… great description, thanks for sharing.