I have not been familiar with Timrod's work. I love this! I am around too many people who think that not only should everyone be "up and doing," everyone must also be aware of all the tumult that exists everywhere in the world, and be anxious about it . . . I figure if the world brings me to living under a bridge somewhere, I'll deal with it when it comes and not borrow the trouble of it now. I love retirement; after a lifetime of being "up and doing" (and the bills must be paid, after all, so that's all right), I so appreciate being surrounded by books, and the beauty of my needlework, and thoughtful people who can see beauty and goodness still in the world that He is still Lord over . . . And just being quiet and enjoying all the wonders He has given me . . . I love these lines especially:
. . . there
Nor praise, nor blame shall reach us, save what love
To answer a bit more seriously -- books are very much a wall for me from the world. I do not mean by this that they are an escape from the world so much as they offer me ways to process and live in the world without being fearful or anxious; they offer me the most important, the most basic, truths for meditation and calm despite the tumult of the world -- reminders of the star above Mordor, if you will, and of Gandalf's vast supply of mirth in the worst of times . . . And I am blessed to have special people in my life who understand my world and live in much the same ways.
Oh, you should see my wall of books. I only wish there were more space for more shelves . . . If I didn't believe that it's important to remain part of the world, I'd never leave the house and just stay immersed in books all day every day (well, that and my embroidery work). :)
You choose such beautiful art work, and perfectly suited to each poem. It adds enormously to the whole experience. Thank you!
Elizabeth
I have not been familiar with Timrod's work. I love this! I am around too many people who think that not only should everyone be "up and doing," everyone must also be aware of all the tumult that exists everywhere in the world, and be anxious about it . . . I figure if the world brings me to living under a bridge somewhere, I'll deal with it when it comes and not borrow the trouble of it now. I love retirement; after a lifetime of being "up and doing" (and the bills must be paid, after all, so that's all right), I so appreciate being surrounded by books, and the beauty of my needlework, and thoughtful people who can see beauty and goodness still in the world that He is still Lord over . . . And just being quiet and enjoying all the wonders He has given me . . . I love these lines especially:
. . . there
Nor praise, nor blame shall reach us, save what love
Of knowledge for itself shall wake at times
In our own bosoms; come! and we will build
A wall of quiet thought, and gentle books,
Betwixt us and the hard and bitter world.
Is this something you've done, Beth? Built the wall of books?
To answer a bit more seriously -- books are very much a wall for me from the world. I do not mean by this that they are an escape from the world so much as they offer me ways to process and live in the world without being fearful or anxious; they offer me the most important, the most basic, truths for meditation and calm despite the tumult of the world -- reminders of the star above Mordor, if you will, and of Gandalf's vast supply of mirth in the worst of times . . . And I am blessed to have special people in my life who understand my world and live in much the same ways.
Oh, you should see my wall of books. I only wish there were more space for more shelves . . . If I didn't believe that it's important to remain part of the world, I'd never leave the house and just stay immersed in books all day every day (well, that and my embroidery work). :)
Thanks again. I'll save this one.