2.12.2010

famous fridays: ralph waldo emerson

"It's Friday!" The cry of joy all across the world. Some look back, sighing in relief after a long, hard week. Others look forward, smiling in anticipation of a good weekend. Friday. It's either the end of the week or the beginning of the weekend, but rarely do we take Friday as a day in and of itself. I'd like to pause for a moment and enjoy Friday for what it is. It's not Monday. It's not hump day. It's not those long work-days in between. It's 24 hours that I won't get to appreciate again until 7 more days have passed.

So here's a "famous Friday" for you. It only comes once a week. Don't miss it.

Emerson is quickly becoming my favorite poet. I've been trying to expand my literary palate by reading a new poem every day. The anthology, Poem a Day, has helped me accomplish this goal.

This poem by Emerson is about a subject that I often need reminding of - patience. His words are beautifully crafted to highlight the importance of not living in haste. Perhaps Emerson would recommend enjoying Friday for what it's worth as well.

Forebearance
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun;
Loved the wood-rose, and left it on its stalk;
At rich men's tables eaten bread and pulse;
Unarmed, faced danger with a heart of trust;
And loved so well a high behavior
In man or maid, that thou from speech refrained,
Nobility more nobly to repay?—
O be my friend, and teach me to be thine!

1 comment:

  1. If you haven't already, try Emerson's "Nature". It's not exactly poetry, but it mine as well be. Really short read too.

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