October 11, 2012

Good morning!  Last week we visited Elizabeth Barrett Browning, so I thought it only fair to take time to say  hello to the man who swept her off her feet and out of her father's household.  While he is best known for his dramatic monologues, this poem caught my eye because I loved the imagery of the earth smiling and basking in the warmth of the autumn sun.  I hope you have time today to 'bask in the sun' and enjoy these treasured fall days, all the more sweet because of their transcience. 

Photo: Red tree beside stream in Utah

Among the Rocks

Oh, good gigantic smile o’ the brown old earth,
      This autumn morning! How he sets his bones
To bask i’ the sun, and thrusts out knees and feet
For the ripple to run over in its mirth;
      Listening the while, where on the heap of stones
The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet.

That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true;
      Such is life’s trial, as old earth smiles and knows.
If you loved only what were worth your love,
Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you:
      Make the low nature better by your throes!
Give earth yourself, go up for gain above!

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