Small Wonder
Something new is upon us,
and yet nothing is ever new.
We are alive in a fearsome time,
and we have been given new things to fear.
We’ve been delivered huge blows but also
huge opportunities to reinforce or reinvent our will,
depending on where we look for honor
and how we name our enemies.
The easiest thing is to think of returning the blows.
But there are other things we must think about as well,
other dangers we face.
A careless way of sauntering across the earth
and breaking open its treasures,
a terrible dependency on sucking out the world’s
best juices for ourselves—these may also be our enemies.
Barbara Kingsolver
I read Barbara Kingsolver’s poem late last night, just as March turned to April. It touched me then and I hope it touches you in some way now. This was the last entry for March in a little book I often turn at day’s end. Prayers for Hard Times by Becca Anderson.
Rabbit! Rabbit! – and blessings to you all.
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
Wow, what a perfect poem for this particular situation! And it ended your March and began your April. I suppose it will be appropriate for a long time. Thank you for sharing Penny.
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You are very welcome, Janet. It was there on the page just waiting for me.
I think it fits for many situations, but, it really resonated with this current one.
Thanks for commenting.
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I always enjoy Barbara Kingsolver but have not seen this one before. Thanks so much for sharing. It is perfect for the times.
You and I were up late last night Rabbit rabbiting each other. It is so necessary to mix a little silliness and whimsy in with all of the seriousness of the moment.
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I hadn’t either, Janet. I usually read her novels, but, she also does essays and, it seems, poetry. This poem was just waiting for me to find it last night.
We were both up late and Rabbit Rabbit-ed at the same time. 🙂 That was fun. We do need fun and silliness and whimsey right now – good that we still can after all these years. Thank you.
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I had to read it twice, Penny, and will probably go back to it again. There’s a lot to absorb, and it’s very fitting.
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I did, too, Karen, and have read it a few more times since it first came to me. I had forgotten is was poetry month until you mentioned it. It’s interesting how these sort of things appear at the most opportune time.
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The timing is chilling, but perfect. Thanks for sharing, Penny. “Rabbit Rabbit” always reminds me of my 7th grade Anthropology teacher…he’d always say that at the start of a new month. Stay well!
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It’s interesting how sometimes words, appear at just the time we need them. You are very welcome – and Rabbit Rabbit to you, Jill. Your 7th grade Anthropology teacher sounds like an engaging teacher. I wish you well, too.
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That’s what makes words so powerful. Stay well, Penny.
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Yes, I feel moved, both by the image and the poem. Kingsolver is a writer I often turn to.
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She’s a writer I enjoy, Friko. I wasn’t familiar with her poetry until this one appeared. I will be looking for more. Take care.
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What an apt poem for these times, Penny. It could have been written yesterday. I like the sound of that book, but unfortunately our libraries are all closed right now while NZ is in lockdown. But I’ll make a note of it. I hope you are safe and well.
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I thought the same thing, Juliet, and am anxious to read more of her poetry. I actually came across the book on a sale table at a bookstore last Autumn. I don’t read it every day, but, do look to it often.I always seem to find something seasonal in it that calls to me. I think you might appreciate this book and the variety of writers.
We are safe and well here, but, in a stay-in-place order as well. Our libraries are shut down as well as schools. Stores, pharmacies, essential services are all that are open. We can go out to take walks, keeping a 6 foot distance (it is being called social distancing). Take care, Juliet. This is truly a pandemic.
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Perfect for the times, Penny! So glad you shared that. We need more beautiful words like those embodied in this poem and those always found in your posts.
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Thank you, L. Marie. Funny how these things sometimes reach us at just the right time. I hope you are well.
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