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NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

Apr. 2, 2012

Dear members of the Marquette community,

Almost without fail, March in all its “madness” finds much of the Marquette community experiencing great thrills, hopes, heartache, dreams, and passions.

Through a grace of scheduling, April delivers more of the same, albeit in a very different format. April is National Poetry Month. In addition to putting us in touch with deep emotions and insights — and making us feel more alive — great poetry invites us to reflect and see our lives in new ways. As St. Robert Southwell wrote, poetry provides an opportunity for “giving sobrest countenance leave some time to smile, and gravest wits to take a breathing flight.” In other words, it’s one of life’s pleasures — a gift to our spirits.

So please join me and other fans of poetry at Marquette in celebrating poetry this month. All are invited to an April 16 event at the Raynor Memorial Libraries, where talented poets on our faculty will read their poems. And watch for the sharing of favorite verses on banners in the Alumni Memorial Union and the Raynor Bridge, as well as on Marquette’s social media channels. While you’re at it, share a few best-loved poems yourself.

To get things started, I am sharing a favorite of mine just below.

Happy reading,

Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President
Marquette University

 

Mysteries, Yes
By Mary Oliver

Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous
to be understood.

How grass can be nourishing in the
mouths of the lambs.
How rivers and stones are forever
in allegiance with gravity
while we ourselves dream of rising.
How two hands touch and the bonds will
never be broken.
How people come, from delight or the
scars of damage,
to the comfort of a poem.

Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.

Let me keep company always with those who say
“Look!” and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads.