“Joy comes
Not to the sound of beaten drums
But swift on silent wings
She comes in little things
A laugh or look maybe
Or else perhaps a tree
Or scarlet poppy flower
Flaming in a drowsy hour.
Who can foretell or know
When Joy will come—or go?”
W H Auden
It's the little things and it's the little moments that make a life; and where joy can be found, waiting patiently if we care to stop to spend the time to glance in its direction.
I have a favourite motto to "celebrate the moments' - life is unsure, it is uncertain, events intervene, health issues arise, and demands take us from those we love and the things we need to do. So sometimes we won't be able to do what we want to do to mark a special occasion; we might not be able to be with somebody at an important time. Instead, we try to celebrate the moments that we are together; to stop and reflect and take stock that life and the everyday is worth celebrating.
Use your best china; drink out of fine wine glasses and sleep in if you want I say!
I stopped this afternoon before heading off to help Barry pick coffee, and spent a few stolen minutes just watching a superb fairy wren dart this way and that. They are the most beautiful of creatures and so quick; fragile and delightful, and not often seen on our block. Joy was there just waiting for me to have a look...
Not to the sound of beaten drums
But swift on silent wings
She comes in little things
A laugh or look maybe
Or else perhaps a tree
Or scarlet poppy flower
Flaming in a drowsy hour.
Who can foretell or know
When Joy will come—or go?”
W H Auden
It's the little things and it's the little moments that make a life; and where joy can be found, waiting patiently if we care to stop to spend the time to glance in its direction.
I have a favourite motto to "celebrate the moments' - life is unsure, it is uncertain, events intervene, health issues arise, and demands take us from those we love and the things we need to do. So sometimes we won't be able to do what we want to do to mark a special occasion; we might not be able to be with somebody at an important time. Instead, we try to celebrate the moments that we are together; to stop and reflect and take stock that life and the everyday is worth celebrating.
Use your best china; drink out of fine wine glasses and sleep in if you want I say!
I stopped this afternoon before heading off to help Barry pick coffee, and spent a few stolen minutes just watching a superb fairy wren dart this way and that. They are the most beautiful of creatures and so quick; fragile and delightful, and not often seen on our block. Joy was there just waiting for me to have a look...
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| Photo courtesy of Colour and the Human Being |
I do so agree - one of the ways that I used to help me through a difficult time which was exhausting me emotionally and mentally was to stop when I could to watch a bird, to examine a leaf, to stare at raindrops on twigs, ... life enhancing essentials.
ReplyDeleteThanks Olga - taking those moments out just stop and be with the wonder of the smallest things, is healing I am sure. So good for the soul and the spirit - it renews me I know, and helps me keep perspective when things are tough. Go well.
DeleteWhat a beautiful little bird, and yes its the little things that usually make my day
ReplyDeleteThese birds are stunning Debbie - quite breathtaking in a way. And yes, its those little moments that are often the best.
DeleteBeautiful wren!
ReplyDeletefeels like you wrote this one straight into my heart. thank you x
ReplyDeleteSometimes the words and experiences are shared and we don't even know it...
DeleteWhat a beautiful little bird. Wrens here are brown and secretive but with a glorious song. This one is show-stopper and joy-bringer indeed. Thanks for the moment of pleasure and wonder ...
ReplyDeleteCharlton, it seems even our birds are blue and bright at the moment! The jenny is quite brown and unobtrusive but this boy does show off. Truly, I stopped and gazed in wonder...
DeleteWhat a stunning thing - and even more beautiful Australian 'blues' to wonder at!
ReplyDeleteThere's a bit of a them appearing isn't there Lesley? Must be Spring! LOTS of our birds are bright and raucous looking I must admit...but they always fill me with wonder and give me a smile.
DeleteYour thoughts become more pertinent as time passes. Each moment is precious. Don't waste it on anger or resentment; treasure every minute of the day.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right Jo - we need to make each day, each moment count and be grateful that we have it. Taking notice, being present and enjoying and celebrating are great ways to live a life.
DeleteYes, wrens here in Britain are small brown birds; with massive voices! I'm amazed to see one with such vivid colour. You're about to make the leap into spring, here we're celebrating the autumn equinox, and are moving towards winter. I'll be keeping an eye out for my tiny wrens, and listening out for their rattling calls. Hoping they survive the winter, and I'll be putting out food for them to help as best I can.
ReplyDeleteWinter must hard on wrens and wee birds over there...I hope yours make it thru and return in full voice next Spring. Our jenny wrens are brown as well whilst the boys are very attention seekingly coloured! Gow ell.
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