14 January 2011

Hoarders: Poetry Edition

Gratitude was short-lived, no? Ann, our Poetry Curator-in-Residence, sent another perfect gem—on my birthday no less—and I have held onto it all this time, unwilling to let it go (as if posting it here means that Mr. Reznikoff didn't write it just for me). But now I must share, on this perfect, quiet day. Snow is gently falling, I have the day off and refuse to get out of bed just yet: a poetry kind of morning. If only one of you would stop by and pour my coffee, which I can't reach from here.

Thank you Ann, and thank you Charles Reznikoff, for this:

Te Deum

Not because of victories
I sing,
having none,
but for the common sunshine,
the breeze,
the largess of the spring.

Not for victory
but for the day's work done
as well as I was able;
not for a seat upon the dais
but at the common table.

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As always, civility reigns, but cleverness trumps.

They shall be called my disciples.