Thursday, November 5, 2020

Poetry on Thursday


Because we all need hope, I chose this poem on Tuesday. I hope it works today. 

A Portable Paradise
Roger Robinson 

And if I speak of Paradise,
then I'm speaking of my grandmother
who told me to carry it always
on my person, concealed, so
no one else would know but me.
That way they can't steal it, she'd say.
And if life puts you under pressure,
trace its ridges in your pocket,
smell its piney scent on your handkerchief, 
hum its anthem under your breath.
And if your stresses are sustained and daily,
get yourself to an empty room - be it hotel,
hostel or hovel - find a lamp
and empty your paradise onto a desk:
your white sands, green hills and fresh fish.
Shine the lamp on it like the fresh hope
of morning, and keep staring at it till you sleep.

Robinson, Roger. "A Portable Paradise." A Portable Paradise, Peepal Tree Press, 

You can read more about the poet here, and listen to this poem read aloud by the wonderful Pádraig Ó Tuama here

I wish you mindfulness, peace, fresh hope, your own portable paradise, and some poetry as this week winds down.

9 comments:

  1. I'm definitely searching for peace and hope right now. Thanks for sharing this poem as a way of helping me to find it.

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  2. I love the idea of a portable paradise! I'll look for my own and try to find a way to carry it with me.

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  3. This is perfection, Bonny! The most perfect poem for today. Thank you. XO
    (And Pádraig's voice . . . always worth a listen or two!)

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  4. Thank-you Bonny! I'm going to listen to that audio too!

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  5. Ah, the absolute perfect poem for this day, Bonny. I think we all have a portable paradise, but sometimes we forget where we put it, or even that it's available. Thanks for reminding me of it! I do feel hopeful today, and even patient, if you can believe it. Here's to enjoying the moment, always. Happy Thursday!

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  6. I love this poem Bonny. Thanks so much for sharing. It is perfect!

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  7. mindfulness is where it's at! Lovely poem, thank you!

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  8. This is beautiful, Bonny! I am off to see if my library has any of Robinson's poetry! Thank you!

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  9. Bonny, poetry is always good for the soul

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Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment! :-)