National Poetry Month

It’s time to be inspired by the written word; April is National Poetry Month. Robert Frost once said “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” Poetry is the perfect outlet for human emotion. In a few lines a poet can perfectly capture all the beauty or pain he/she holds in their heart. It lets them paint a picture with words. A poem can through a simple collection of words touch us deeply by conveying emotions that resonate in our own heart. The poet offers through his/her words a tether which can bind and anchor us together in shared joy, love, wonder, grief and humanity.

In celebration of National Poetry Month, I’d like to share a favorite poem of mine. It speaks straight to the hopeless romantic in me and through its words of joyful gratitude fills me with hope.

At Last
by Elizabeth Akers Allen

At last, when all the summer shine
That warmed life's early hours is past,
Your loving fingers seek for mine
And hold them close—at last—at last!
Not oft the robin comes to build
Its nest upon the leafless bough
By autumn robbed, by winter chilled,—
But you, dear heart, you love me now.

Though there are shadows on my brow
And furrows on my cheek, in truth,—
The marks where Time's remorseless plough
Broke up the blooming sward of Youth,—
Though fled is every girlish grace
Might win or hold a lover's vow,
Despite my sad and faded face,
And darkened heart, you love me now!

I count no more my wasted tears;
They left no echo of their fall;
I mourn no more my lonesome years;
This blessed hour atones for all.
I fear not all that Time or Fate
May bring to burden heart or brow,—
Strong in the love that came so late,
Our souls shall keep it always now!

So go out there and read some Frost, Dickinson or Angelou or better yet connect with your own inner poet and put pen to paper with some inspiring words of your own.