“The first time I heard the following poem was at Camp Trail Blazer in New Jersey. Lois Goodrich, the director of the camp, was sitting in a rocking chair in front of a huge stone fireplace with leaping flames curling around a stack of wood. At her feet sat a huge crowd of children. Their faces glowed in the firelight and their eyes snapped with attention and love for the woman who was reading to them. I will never forget the sheer look of joy on their faces. The room was silent except for the low lyrical voice of the woman who was bringing the poem to life. I was riveted to the voice that danced and sang poetry.”

Yu/stan/kema

BARTER

Life has loveliness to sell,

All beautiful and splendid things.                                                         

Blue waves whitened on a cliff,

Soaring fire that sways and sings,

And children’s faces looking up

Holding wonder like a cup.

Life has loveliness to sell,

Music like a curve of gold.

Scent of pine trees in the rain,

Eyes that love you, arms that hold,

And for your spirit’s still delight,

Found on Pinterest on 10-30-15.

Holy thoughts that star the night.

Spend all you have for loveliness,

 Buy it and never count the cost;

 For one white singing hour of peace

 Count many a year of strife well lost,

 And for a breath of ecstasy

 Give all you have been, or could be.

  SARA TEASDALE