Monday, January 2, 2012

Beautiful Words

My Symphony

To live content with small means.... To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion.... To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich.... To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly.... To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart.... To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never.... In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common....
...........this is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing 

On a recent blog hop, I visited Laura at 52 Flea and was instantly touched by "My Symphony" on her sidebar.  I asked Laura if I could quote this poem on my blog and she was thrilled that it held special meaning to me also.  Laura said she found this poem in her Nana's attic when she was a teenager in an old frame with watercolor morning glories painted on the frame.  Hearing this little story makes me love this poem all the more.

Rita Coolidge once sang to Kris Kristofferson, "words are all I have to take your heart away".  I always loved that line.  I love words.  I love to use them.  I love to write them.  I love when I find pieces that brand themselves upon me.  May beautiful words be music to your ears. 

8 comments:

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Happy New Year, Joyce!
Love your word: Exploration! Sounds so creative!
AWESOME photos in the last post!
Those are great words from today's post!
Warmly,
deb

Sherri said...

Happy New Year Joyce!! Love that poem!

Kay said...

I really like this poem too. Utterly beautiful and true.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Love the poem! I hope you enjoy the booth, I put the boot and all of the rest of the little goodies in yesterday. Someone bought the little yellow caddy right out of my hand before I put it in my booth, I am sure some of it will still be there, I need a serious restock though!

Carol

Leanne said...

I have never read that poem before, but am printing it out and will include it in an upcoming art journal project. It's beautiful. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing it with us, and thanks also for the visit to my blog this week. It's lovely to meet you. I look forward to learning more about you and your journey! ;)

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Cheryl said...

What beautiful words indeed. Thank you for sharing.

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