The Poetry of Earth

 

“The poetry of earth is never dead:

When all the birds are faint with the hot sun,

And hide in cooling trees, a voice will run

From hedge to hedge about the new-mown mead;

That is the Grasshopper’s – he takes the lead

In summer luxury, – he has never done

With his delights; for when tired out with fun

He rests at ease beneath some pleasant weed.”

John Keats

“On the Grasshopper and Cricket”

 

My young grandson and I spend time each week listening to the summer hummers and buzzers in the trees and the grass – cicadas, grasshoppers, bees. Take a moment to listen to the sounds of summer – bugs, birds, water splashing from a garden hose, children at play, even the whir of an air conditioner. Let the sounds of summer refresh your spirit. Nurture peace. Cultivate kindness. Carry the calm.

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the Week:

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Text and photos © 2019 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.

Sun-Hot Days

 

“Stands the Sun so close and mighty –

That our Minds are hot.”

Emily Dickinson

 

Years ago, a slogan for Secret deodorant advertised being “cool, calm, and collected.” I wish that for you (not the deodorant but the sentiment) this week. Pause. Take a deep breath. Stay cool, calm, and collected. Nurture peace. Cultivate kindness. Carry the calm. (And remember to wear sunscreen.)

Nature of the week – from last month’s trip to Arizona:

Shadow of the Week:

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Text and photos © 2019 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.

Investing in Goodness

 

“Goodness is the only investment that never fails.”

Henry David Thoreau

 

Nurture peace. Cultivate kindness. Carry the calm.

And invest in goodness – love, grace, hope, and peace – for all.

 

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the Week – on a kitchen window screen:

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Text and photos © 2019 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.

Mercy, Pity, Love, and Peace

 

“For Mercy has a human heart,

Pity a human face,

And Love, the human form divine,

And Peace, the human dress.”

William Blake

 

May mercy overflow your heart,

may compassion wear your face,

may love take your form.

May you be clothed in peace.

Nurture peace. Cultivate kindness. Carry the calm.

 

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the Week:

If you want me to send these thoughts to your email each Sunday, simply sign up on the right.

Text and photos © 2019 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.