Here's a fine poem by Robert Penn Warren from Selected Poems 1923-1975 [811 WAR]:
Tell Me a Story
[ A ]
Long ago, in Kentucky, I, a boy, stood
By a dirt road, in first dark, and heard
The great geese hoot northward.
I could not see them, there being no moon
And the stars sparse. I heard them.
I did not know what was happening in my heart.
It was the season before the elderberry blooms,
Therefore they were going north.
The sound was passing northward.
[ B ]
Tell me a story.
In this century, and moment, of mania,
Tell me a story.
Make it a story of great distances, and starlight.
The name of the story will be Time,
But you must not pronounce its name.
Tell me a story of deep delight.
It's almost perfect for this first week in October except that the geese are heading in the opposite direction. No matter, the heart still feels the same.
Today the Round-Up is being hosted by my friend Laura Salas. Stop by and say "hello."
Photo by Simmo1024.
5 comments:
Hi, Diane. I loved this. I've read some of Warren's Audubon poems, but "Tell Me a Story" is new to me. The idea of hearing the geese without seeing them -- beautiful image of faith.
Hi Laura! Glad you like it. I have an affinity for geese poems. By the way, are you attending the Dodge Poetry Festival this year?
Oh, this is lovely and new to me. Gorgeous!
Lovely! My son and I have been noticing the geese. Something about it tugs the heart. Thanks for sharing this.
Yes, Andi, sort of like a train whistle in the distances does.
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