“If it is all poetry, and not just one’s own accomplishment, that carries one from this green and mortal world–that lifts the latch and gives one a glimpse into a greater paradise–then perhaps one has the sensibility: a gratitude apart from authorship; a fervor and desire beyond the margins of the self.”
–Mary Oliver

I, like many of us, love and admire much of Mary Oliver’s published poetry. I have to admit, though, that my favorite things written by her are lines like the above: prose mediations about the experience of writing poetry. Why to write poetry. Why poetry matters. I believe the above comes from “A Poetry Handbook,” and when I read it I felt a rush of comfort and belonging. She knew. Someone knew, and someone was telling me it’s a good thing to love what I love.

What does “a gratitude apart from authorship” mean to me?…

Vigilante children

Preying over the yellow meadow grounds

With their stick weapons and shallow voices

Echoing through the grass

Plucking petals off of dandelions

And whispering their secrets

Disobedient teenagers

Trudging through the mud

Long lost loves in the back of their minds

Plucking petals off of dandelions

As they sit and hide

In the yellow meadow grounds

–L.S.

A Little Bit About Myself

My name is Lindsey and I am a Junior in college studying humanities. My passion is books and everything book related. I read everything I can get my hands on. This can include anything from books to articles to shampoo bottles in the shower. Not only am I completely obsessed with reading but I am obsessed with reading accessories as well. I collect bookmarks, book covers, and bags that are big enough to tote around my books.

There is more to me than just my passion for books. I also love to crochet. After I ran out things to crochet for people, I started my own group called Anchored Love. It is a crafting group dedicated to making hats, scarves, etc. for cancer patients. The idea for Anchored Love comes from my desire to help cancer patients after losing my grandfather to it in 2010…

Because I so love Todd (and his magical metaphors), I compiled some of his posts from his Tumblr: T.B. LaBerge. I find his words comforting at the same time piercing to the depths of my soul. Been having great days but let it remain and be nourished first in my heart (and mind) unwritten just like Todd’s letters to ‘the girl with green eyes’. I’d love to have a copy of his book (paperback)–Unwritten Letters to You! Have actually added it on my wishlist but I still don’t know how I can get one. Haha. Anyway, I’ll blog more about my journey… soon! For now, come read this beautiful work, truly a work of art, sown in tears, in joy and in Christ. 🙂

Unwritten Letters to You

“Give me quiet nights and still days, give me your hand, and hold it tight. Give me love with a promise of growth…