Artist

Alexander Averin

Friday 14 October 2011

A poem

Sorry I have been off the radar for a while; I have had a spell in hospital as I was taken ill quite suddenly. Am on the mend now but waiting for a little operation some time soon (I hope). Times like this makes one appreciate friendship and quite coincidentally, among the doom, gloom and despair that seems to dominate the news these days I heard this poem on Radio 4's Today programme in the Thought for the Day slot.

Really bad news yesterday was hearing that Alan Bennett and the protestors have lost the fight to save Brent libraries from closure.  Sad news indeed.

Anyway here is the poem.



Friendship



Such love I cannot analyse;


it does not rest in lips or eyes,

neither in kisses nor caress,

partly, I know, it’s gentleness



And understanding in one word

or in brief letters. It’s preserved

by trust and by respect and awe.

These are the words I’m feeling for.



Two people, yes, two lasting friends.

The giving comes, the taking ends.

There is no measure for such things.

For this all Nature slows and sings.



Elizabeth Jennings

9 comments:

Vee said...

You are certainly forgiven for being ill and in the hospital, Cait! I am truly sorry and glad to know that you are on the mend. I hope that you do not have to wait too long for the surgery you need. Let us know in advance, if you can, so that we can be sending good thoughts and saying a prayer.

Yes, it's bad news whenever a library closes. So much bad news in these rough economic times. Hopefully, the tides will shift again and all will come out all right. When people band together and work hard and long enough, libraries can open, too, yes?

Don't overdo and take good care...

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I wondered where you were! So sorry to hear you've been ill. And in hospital, no less. How awful. I'm happy you are now on the mend. If we lived closer Edward and I would bring over potato soup and pound cake. I'm thinking of you and wishing you well.

Frances said...

Best wishes to you, Cait. Hoping that you will soon be fully recovered.

The poem is a beauty.

I have read about the library closings across the Pond and can say that similar threats are happening over hear, together with Post Office closing, hour reductions, all sorts of budgetary maneuvers. Of course, we know that there will always be certain favored sacred budgetary cows who will be allowed to grow.

Was it always thus?

Are you following the various "Wall Street" protests that are springing up across this country? They are a bit different than any prior group actions in that the groups are multi-issued.

xo

Mac n' Janet said...

Sorry to hear you've been ill, hope all goes well now. Hate libraries closing, here it's post offices and quite probably Saturday delivery of mail.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Sorry to hear you have been unwell Cait. I wondered where you were! I hope you get a date for your op soon.

Yes it was bad news about the Brent libraries - the slippery slope I fear.

'Two people, yes, two lasting friends.
The giving comes, the taking ends.' - lovely.

Jeanne
x

Kath said...

Good to hear from you. Hope it is nothing serious x

CAMILLA said...

Dear Cait,

Was sorry to hear you have been ill and in hospital. I pray that the future Op will have you feeling on top form again soon dear Cait.

Terribly bad news about Brent Library being closed, so awful to think there may be more to follow, I just hope this does not happen.

A beautiful Poem, thank you for sharing with us Cait.

Thinking of you, big hugs.

xx

The bike shed said...

Sorry to hear you were unwell. My very best wished for a swift recovery

Norma Murray said...

Cait, I wondered where you were. Sorry to hear about the illness. I hope all is getting better now
love Lampie