“It Troubled Me as Once I was” by Emily Dickinson
It Troubled Me as Once I was It troubled me as once I was —For I was once a Child —Concluding how an Atom — fell —And yet the Heavens — held — The Heavens… Continue Reading
“The Delight Song of Tsoai-talee” by N. Scott Momaday
The Delight Song of Tsoai-talee I am a feather on the bright skyI am the blue horse that runs in the plainI am the fish that rolls, shining, in the waterI am the shadow that… Continue Reading
“Process” by Day Schildkret
Process morning time. take basket and go on walk.stay alert. watchful. forage.hike to hill or creek bed.clear space.be quiet and listen.build altar: feathers, leaves, berries, bones.pray. offer it.watch it alter. . Day Schildkret This poem… Continue Reading
“To the Swimmer” by Countee Cullen
To the Swimmer Now as I watch you, strong of arm and endurance, battling and struggling With the waves that rush against you, ever with invincible strength returning Into my heart, grown each day more… Continue Reading
“Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
Invictus Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole,I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the… Continue Reading
“Daybreak in Alabama” by Langston Hughes
Daybreak in Alabama When I get to be a colored composer I’m gonna write me some music about Daybreak in Alabama And I’m gonna put the purtiest songs in it Rising out of the ground… Continue Reading
“God” by Langston Hughes
God I am God— Without one friend, Alone in my purity World without end. Below me young lovers Tread the sweet ground— But I am God— I cannot come down. Spring! Life is love! Love… Continue Reading
“This Morning” by Mary Oliver
This Morning This morning the redbirds’ eggs have hatched and already the chicks are chirping for food. They don’t know where it’s coming from, they just keep shouting, “More! More!” As to anything else, they… Continue Reading
“Dawn Revisited” by Rita Dove
Dawn Revisited Imagine you wake upwith a second chance: The blue jayhawks his pretty waresand the oak still stands, spreadingglorious shade. If you don’t look back, the future never happens.How good to rise in sunlight,in… Continue Reading
“Desire” by Alice Walker
Desire My desireis always the same; wherever Lifedeposits me:I want to stick my toe& soon my whole bodyinto the water.I want to shake out a fat broom& sweep dried leavesbruised blossomsdead insects& dust.I want to… Continue Reading