Serendipity: The Spice of Life!

Category: The Daytime of Life | Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:02 am

"Serendipity" Yes, that is definitely what it was! The online definition says: "the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident."

But back in 1968, I am sure Miss Delores McDaniel did not have that in mind when she doled out the punishment to her group of unruly fifth graders right as the bell rang for us to be dismissed! We were all given a poem to each memorize and recite before we could leave. "How unfair," my young mind taunted!

My stomach hurt as I enviously watched the shadow of a crow on the parchment windowshade as it winged it's way past. But after a couple of tries I got my poem under my belt, and nervously recited in front of the class, and was hastily dismissed.

On my walk home, I relished in my accomplishment, although I did not know quite what William Wordsworth was babbling about. But I kept the poem tucked back in a secret crevice of childhood memory, and in adulthood the poem spoke volumes of how Mr. Wordsworth felt, and how observant he was of human nature. As I aged it gradually became my favorite poem.

My Heart Leaps Up When I Behold
by William Wordsworth
(1770-1850)

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began,
So is it now I am a man,
So be it when I shall grow old
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man:
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.

My Heart Leaps Up When I Behold ( photo / image / picture from SongofJoy57's Garden )

A Rainbow in the Sky ( photo / image / picture from SongofJoy57's Garden )

Last edited: Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:49 am

This blog entry has been viewed 1560 times

Comments (4) | Leave a Comment

2 members like this blog entry

You're reading one of many blogs on GardenStew.com.
Register for free and start your own blog today.

Comments

daisybeans wrote on Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:18 am:

What a lovely memory, and a lovely poem too. I'll think of it whenever I see a rainbow too. Great pictures of your rainbow. Enjoy your day!

Karrma wrote on Sat Sep 10, 2011 2:52 pm:

What a wonder-full poem, invokes lots of memories and makes us think of what brings awe into our lives. I especially loved "natural piety"

Serendipity is my favorite word, had to read your blog.

Cayuga Morning wrote on Sat Sep 17, 2011 10:16 am:

SongofJoy57-Hi! I like your blog. What a nice memeory. I particularly like these two lines of the poem: "My heart leaps up when I behold ...A rainbow in the sky" and "The Child is father of the Man". It is interesting what memories stay with us. My mother was always remarking on a view and trying to get me to join with her in the appreciation of a view: "Oh!Look at that field and sky...what a pretty view!" As a child or teen, I would look politely and nod politely, my mind elsewhere. Now, of course, I notice the views, and of course, also remark upon them to my kids, who, you guessed it, nod politely, minds elsewhere!