~Fra Giovanni Giocondo, attributed
Andi at A Wrung Sponge wrote about Giving Thanks: Poems, Prayers, and Praise Songs of Thanksgiving, which was compiled by Katherine Patterson and illustrated by Pamela Dalton. I bought it immediately -- what a visually and spiritually lovely book!
Paterson shares this prayer attributed to Father Giovanni Giocondo, circa 1433-1515:
I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much, that, while I cannot give, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven.
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant. Take Peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow, behind it, yet, within our reach, is joy. Take Joy.
And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you, with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.
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Wendell Berry again, Tabatha? Yes...
When I rise up
by Wendell Berry
When I rise up
let me rise up joyful
like a bird
Read the rest here
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Katya is the Poetry Friday host today.
Tabatha, I just ordered this book--thank you so much for recommending it. I am so excited!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Tabatha. Post Wendell Berry *any time* -- his poems are always welcome! I like the idea that everything that might make us joyful is within the present moment. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, friend.
ReplyDeleteYour post today fills the heart! I will have to get this book - what a beautiful selection you shared. And yes, Wendell Berry any time! :0) Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteGratefulness is so important... I wish more people understood how deeply connected we all are. Thanks for cracking me up with your Wendell Berry comment too.
ReplyDeleteI second the enthusiasm for more Wendell Berry anytime!
ReplyDeleteI have a copy of this book -- the paper cut illustrations are just amazing. A beautiful collection of verse -- I see it appealing more to an adult sensibility than a child's, though.
Tabatha,
ReplyDeleteThank you for including so much JOY in your post. ;)
"No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant." I like this hidden peace in my present.
ReplyDeleteI can never be reminded too often to be grateful. Thank you for these winsome reminders. It sounds like a gorgeous book.
ReplyDeleteWendell Berry, yes, always, we never tire of him. And I'm going to have to get my hands on a copy of GIVING THANKS - wow, the paper-cutting by Pamela Dalton is wonderful. Just googled other projects she's done and I'm amazed. Thanks, Tabatha!
ReplyDeleteLovely and sonorous, inspiring and comforting. Thank you for these selections and for turning me onto a new title. Poetry Friday is an exercise in longing (or debt, or both)!
ReplyDeleteWendell Berry's name has been coming up in my life all week. I think it must be a hint from the universe.
ReplyDeleteI can't add anything to what's already been said. Thanks! (And keep Wendell Berry poems coming!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this book, Tabatha, I hadn't heard of it. And as others said, we're happy to read Wendell Berry any time. :-)
ReplyDeleteOH what beautiful passages you selected! So glad you got this book. We are loving it at our house!
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