~Henry David Thoreau
Sometimes I play with prose, turning it into a poem. This week, I did that with a bit of Walden by Henry David Thoreau:
AFTER A STILL WINTER NIGHT
by Henry David Thoreau
After a still winter night
I awoke with the impression
that some question
had been put to me,
which I had been
endeavoring in vain
to answer in my sleep,
as what —
how —
when —
where?
But there
was dawning Nature,
in whom all creatures live,
looking in at my broad windows
with serene and satisfied face,
and no question on her lips.
I awoke to an answered question,
to Nature and daylight.
The snow lying deep on the earth
dotted with young pines,
and the very slope of the hill
on which my house is placed,
seemed to say,
Forward!
Nature puts no question
and answers none
which we mortals ask.
from The Pond in Winter (Chapter 16, Walden)
photo by Lynn Friedman
Thoreau at Walden, a graphic novel by John Porcellino
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Fun coincidence: I was thinking about the new pope being chosen when I posted about St. Francis on Monday, and it turns out he took the name Pope Francis I!
Jone at Check It Out has the Poetry Friday round-up.
8 comments:
His words and your line breaking of those words was very enjoyable to read.
Nice job, Tabatha. Beautiful words just perfect for this time of year.
So interesting to read this way, Tabatha - thanks for sharing!
And though I'm not Catholic, I was happy to hear about the new pope's name, too, of course! :0)
Hi, Tabatha. This is beautiful. Would you consider it a found poem?
You must have had your sixth sense working when you posted about St. Francis earlier this week. An admirable saint to be named for, I think.
Breaking it up like that really forces you to slow down and hear the words. Thank you.
Interesting take on Thoreau's words - I like the flow. Thanks for sharing. =)
Love your interpretation of Thoreau, and isn't the quote in that photo the truth??!!
This reminds me to read Walden again, Tabatha. The way you presented it is beautiful! Thanks for sharing that you do this. And, yes, I saw that "St. Francis" appeared once again, although from what I read, they are not similar.
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