Bonny stirred my interest last week with her review of Fox 8 – luckily my library had it and on Saturday I picked it up with a few other books, including a volume of Ted Kooser’s poetry (Thanks, Honoré!!)
I have been reading and rereading the poems in Delights & Shadows… and they are wonderful! This is a book I have added to my “need to buy” list!
I share some words for thought today from Delights & Shadows:
A Jar of Buttons
by Ted Kooser
This is a core sample
from the floor of the Sea of Mending,
a cylinder packed with shells
that over many years
sank through fathoms of shirts —
pearl buttons, blue buttons —
and settled together
beneath waves of perseverance,
an ocean upon which
generations of women set forth,
under the sails of gingham curtains,
and, seated side by side
on decks sometimes salted by tears,
made small but important repairs.
Happy Monday!
P.S. The Google Doodle is most appropriate – today would be Nelly Sachs’ 127th Birthday. You can read a sampling of her poetry here!
What a lovely poem!
I’m glad you liked Fox 8! I was surprised to stumble upon it and wondered where I’ve been in the five years since it was published. I think this poem may be one of my favorite ever. Kooser has captured exactly how I feel whenever I look through my button jars. Brilliant and thank you for sharing!
I love that poem! Thanks for reminding me of it. Wishing you a peaceful week.
Wonderful, Kat! I have that collection on hold and hope to pick it up this week.
The poem is just perfect description of a button jar …..those jars hold a lot of memories in them.
Fox 8 is on my list. And you’ve got me thinking about my Nana’s button jar.
I bought a copy of Fox 8 for a gift exchange… and another copy for myself!!
I love this! (And my inherited button jars!)
Always one of my favorite poems. XO
I love this poem and have added the book to my “want” list. I read Fox8 very quickly. It’s a must read for everyone!
Ted Kooser is one of my favorite poets and of course he is now a Nebraskan although he hails from Iowa. Delights and Shadows is my favorite of his books although I own many. He is such a humble man and a true American treasure.
Allison often gives me poetry books. I need to take out the Christmas one I just got last year
beautiful poem and I love your jar of buttons 🙂
Perfect! and you are most welcome!
Cheers~
Love it, a jar of buttons has quite the story to tell.