A few inspirational poems and excerpts I’ve dog-eared over the years for when I need them —
A couple of gorgeous lines from longer poems that feel like cleansing breaths, too:
*******
“But morning comes with small
reprieves of coffee and birdsong.
A tree outside the window
which was simply shadow moments ago
takes back its branches twig
by leafy twig.
And as I take my body back
the sun lays its warm muzzle on my lap
as if to make amends.”
-Linda Pastan, from “I Am Learning to Abandon the World”
*******
“There are, on this planet alone, something like two
million naturally occurring sweet things,
some with names so generous as to kick
the steel from my knees: agave, persimmon,
stick ball, the purple okra I bought for two bucks
at the market. Think of that.”
-Ross Gay, from “Sorrow Is Not My Name”
*******
“Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was
oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper the sorrow that carves in your being, the more joy
you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned
in the potter’s oven?”
-Kahlil Gibran, from “On Joy and Sorrow”
*******
“There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.”
-Leonard Cohen
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What other poems, songs, texts, books feel like a deep breath to you?
Post-Scripts.
+A sestina I love.
+I hope there’s a lot more of this in 2026…
My book, Small Wonders, is now available for pre-order! This is a collection of essays, musings, and list poetry on the art of paying attention, noticing love in its smallest denominations, and finding the miraculous in the mundane. It is an extension of the writing here on the blog, and is organized around the themes we often discuss here: the dance of motherhood, inheritances and intimacies, the natural world, and the wide world of language. I am so proud of it and hope you will find it a worthy companion for your legato-style mornings.
Shopping Break.
+Celine sunglasses on sale. I own these in tortoise and they are ideal for petite faces/features.
+Hokas in really great colors.
+Deeply dreamy sweater.
+Spanx AirEssentials in pretty pastels. Love that serene blue.
+Statement scarf in great colors (and 30% off).
+Buttercup yellow tee from Leset.
+Breathtaking jacket. While you’re there, check out the sale section — it’s an extra 20% off with code FINALE26. I love this peplum top, this fair isle sweater, and this dark floral blouse.
+Magpie reader favorite: these boots.
+Vuori’s “orchid whisper” color way is just gorgeous.
+Two steeply discounted designer sale finds: this Rosie Assoulin dress and this Zimmermann. Also love this denim dress.
+This kids’ snow set (bibs, gloves, etc) is on sale and I love the pattern. But after taking my daughter skiing last week and realizing she’d definitely outgrown her gear, I ordered her this ski jacket and these bibs to go with her hot pink helmet. (All three of these brands are excellent / high quality.)
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I love “Wild Geese.” Each time I read it, I feel like there’s a different line that stands out to me…today, it was “the world offers itself to your imagination.” It’s always interesting to notice which line stands out because it’s usually indicative of what’s been occupying my mind recently.
Same, Sarah – it is such a rich text, and each line so full and vulnerable and feeling. xx
Today is my birthday and honestly, these are the most special gift to receive, Jen! Thank you for this loveliness xx
Ps this morning, having breakfast with my sweet husband, I played him the new Harry Styles song, Aperture. I wanted to know his thoughts because he’s an electronic music producer and the most knowledgable person on music I’ve ever met. We agreed that the song sounded like a summer festival, before wi-fi and smart phones and without cell reception. Poetry really is everywhere.
Happy birthday dear Aoife!! We are so lucky and happy to have you in this Magpie community. I look forward to your comments daily.
I love the Aperture song, too!! Have you seen the video yet??
xx