This is part of a series of columns that feature a most-loved poem. Each of these poems is coupled with and a poem or two that speak to, or resonate with, the first poem. This week’s poem is “Nostalgia” by Billy Collins, written in 1991. The two other poems are “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell and my own “Invitation to the Opera.” Collins’ poem is my personal favorite. The complete Poetry Foundation
Every year, Swedes celebrate a national holiday called “Midsummer.” The roots of the festival go back to the 6th century A.D. Originally held to usher in the season of fertility, Midsummer also honors the summer solstice. The traditions began in the southern areas of Sweden and then gradually spread to the rest of the country. People dressed up, decorated buildings and homes, and danced around maypoles. The maypole was originally a
Chorus: Ziggy won’t blog, nor will he tweet Ziggy won’t blog, nor will he tweet Ziggy won’t blog, nor will he tweet He’s got a job to do. When I was young I used to bark At any noise out in the dark And any stranger at the door Encountered my most fearsome roar. But then my master signed up for A security system for his front door Motion sensors
Not long ago, to go out walking Wouldn’t set people talking About leash laws Now they’re a Cause. I once could dine on tasty table scraps Now it’s veggie beef only fit for saps Whose applause Sticks in their craws. Can’t eat what you want today Must stay gaunt today At the park today Keep your bark today To a yip today Get a grip today And follow all the
There are a number of ways we can show compassion easily and every day. I’ve included ten different ideas, and I’ve used several of these techniques on a daily basis, so I’m pretty sure they work. While I’m no Dalai Lama, I have increased my awareness of others and become more considerate through these practices. 1. Make eye contact with everyone you meet and try to focus away from personal thoughts,
I want to tell you to stop. I want to tell you to hold your breath—don’t jump right in; but you think you’re already doing that. You think you’re keeping yourself safe, but it will take you years to see the danger you’re in. I still wake up some days and marvel that I’m alive. That’s the scariest part: knowing how close I was to losing myself, to fading away
