Hyacinth-esis - Missoula, Montana

"Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits." 

 - Carl Sandburg (1878-1967)

Wagon Days Done - Corvallis, Montana

"...A wagonload of radishes on a summer morning. 

Sprinkles of dew on the crimson-purple balls. 

The farmer on the seat dangles the reins on the rumps of 

dapple-gray horses...

The phantom of an old workhorse taking the steel point of a 

plow across a forty-acre field in spring, hitched to a harrow in 

summer, hitched to a wagon among cornshocks in fall, 

These phantoms come into the talk and wonder of people on 

the front porch of a farmhouse late summer nights..." - Carl Sandburg (1878–1967), from Cornhuskers, 1. Prairie 

Shadow And Sunlight - Grant Creek - Missoula, Montana

"Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance." - Carl Sandburg (1878-1967)

River Walk Blooms, Missoula, Montana

"...Bring a concertina after sunset under the apple trees.

Let romance stutter to the western stars, “Excuse … me…”"

- Carl Sandburg (1878-1967), from Cornhuskers (1918)

Decades ago (Egad! That I can actually say such a thing!), during high school, I passionately devoured Sandburg's poems, reveling in his gritty yet beautifully phrased views of the human situation in the most ordinary circumstances. Every time I chance across his writing, I'm reminded why my youthful ardour ran so hot. And I remember to include more poetry in my life.  

Click on any high-lighted text link to find your own poem dose for today.

Red Poppy Full Bloom, Hamilton, Montana

Happiness, By Carl Sandburg, 1878-1967
I asked the professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is happiness.
And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men.
They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was trying to fool with them.
And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Desplaines River.
And I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children and a keg of beer and an accordian.