Thursday, March 17, 2016

Measuring Time


Thank you Two Writing Teachers for creating this space for me to share my corner of the world.

Last night I finished reading Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar.  This story is about the relationship between a young girl named Carol and her grandfather who has dementia. This book is beautifully written, and I strongly recommend it. 



An idea threaded throughout the story was how we measure time.  Serge, the grandfather measures it by the work he does with the sheep on his ranch.  Carol starts to measure it in many other ways.  This idea of measuring time along with my one little word, intent, is the inspiration behind this poem.

How do you measure time?

Do you measure time
from sunrise to sunset,
admiring God's paintbrush
as he blesses us with another day?

Do you measure time
by the passage of the seasons,
observing the signs of spring,
peeking from under the blankets of winter,
giving us signs of hope and renewal?

Do you measure time 
through life changes
as you watch young ones 
in the blink of an eye 
grow into young adults?

Do you measure time
when loved ones pass,
leaving a new generation
to carry on their legacy?

Or do you measure time 
with each breath you take,
intently inhaling and exhaling, 
caressing each moment 
of precious life?


7 comments:

  1. Thank you for the recommendation. Have you read Still Alice which also deals with the topic of dementia.

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  2. Every time I come here, it seems I get a book recommendation. :) Your poem is a beautiful reminder of intent. Thank you for sharing.

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  3. The book sounds fabulous. I remember teaching a unit years ago that incorporated sci-go and time lit. There are lots of songs about time, and your post inspires me to write one about that. Also, I can't help but think about time as a social construct, one based on culture.

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  4. Reminds me of the song from Rent. (I always like, "...in cups of coffee.") And the book sounds great too.

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  5. I loved Hour of the Bees! Thanks for sharing your wonderful poem. It really goes along with the message of the book so well!

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  6. A beautiful poem...much to ponder.

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  7. I've heard that it's a beautiful book, Leigh Anne, and your poem is so wonderfully thoughtful. I measure time by events I think, as in that is the time when. . .

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