Poetry and President Kennedy

President John F. Kennedy’s last major public address was at Amherst College Oct 26, 1963. He was at the dedication of the Robert Frost Library.

Kennedy said:

“When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitation. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses...”

Thank for joining me on National Poetry Month.

Rumi

Poetry, obviously, is not just a personal expression and experience of my poetic nature. It is also the appreciation of the warmth and grace of other poets.

One of my favorites is Rumi.

"What Was Said To The Rose

Rumi

What was said to the rose that made it open

was said to me here in my chest.

What was told the Cypress that made it strong

and straight, what was

whispered to the jasmine so it is what it is, whatever made

sugarcane sweet, whatever

was said to the inhabitants of the town of Chigil in

Turkestan that makes them

so handsome, whatever lets the pomegranate flower blush

like a human face, that is

being said to me now. I blush. Whatever put eloquence in

language, that's happening here.

The great warehouse doors open; I fill with gratitude,

chewing a piece of sugarcane,

in love with the one to whom every that belongs!"

Teahouse

The Teahouse of the Summer Sun

© 2012 Rolland G. Smith

Beyond the thought of standing still

And wondering what’s held within.

A teahouse blessed by heaven’s trill

Allows the prayerful to begin.

Young trees stand sentry to this place

To grace love’s presence everywhere.

Especially in shadowed lace

When setting sun releases care.

The teahouse is a place of proof

for souls who’ve gone and those who stay.

It blends beneath its raftered roof

A place to think and one to pray.

Georgia Off My Mind

I must interrupt the grace and rhythm of poetry month to acknowledge the detritus of America in the state of Georgia.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal just signed into law a statue that allows guns in bars, churches, nightclubs and libraries.

The law also eliminates some criminal charges against people who mistakingly bring guns into airports and other buildings where guns are federally prohibited. The law even permits certain school teachers and administrators to carry firearms inside their schools.

I know there are regional differences all across America, but I didn’t think there were such profound intellectual differences.

As in stupid!

Night Tide

I hope you’ve had the pleasure to sleep near the ocean at night; close enough to hear the rhythmic crash of tidal waves. It is peaceful both in storm and calm, but it is the gentle pulsing of a normal night that I’m thinking about for the post.

Night Tide

©2014 Rolland G. Smith

Hear the rolling waves of night

And their dark folds ending bright,

With its crest that calls again

Back to where we’ve always been.

Dark below the waxing night,

Bright above with starry sight,

Soon the wave cannot be seen

Passing o’r the life marine.

Hear it, yes, and feel it too

As rhythm flows in and through,

Then your tide within thereon

Feels the glow of celadon.

Take this rhythm when you leave

And a peace you will receive,

No matter where you abide

Your breath within is your tide.