A POEM BY...

Rita Dove  

I saw this on a wall in Charlottesville, when we were driving around town.  I was in the passenger seat and saw that it was writing, but didn't actually see that it was a poem until I got back that night and read it on a larger screen.  I really liked this poem.

"Back when the earth was new

and heaven just a whisper,

back when the names of things

hadn't had time to stick;

back when the smallest breezes 

melted summer into autumn

when all the poplars quivered

sweetly in rank and file...

the world called, and I answered.

Each glance ignited to a gaze.

I caught my breath and called that life,

swooned between spoonfuls of lemon sorbet

I was pirouette and flourish,

I was filigree and flame.

How could I count my blessings

when I didn't know their names?

Back when everything was still to come,

luck leaked out everywhere.

I gave my promise to the world,

and the world followed me here."

You can learn more about Rita Dove here.