One of my all-time favorite poems is this one by Robert Frost. I love it because I learned it through music by Randall Thompson as a high school student many years ago. I remember how the conductor took us line-by-line through this poem and brought out meaning that has stayed with me.
In this time of uncertainty and great difficulty, this poem reminds me of the need to have something more “to stay our minds on” for when people are swayed too much by blame or by praise (false or otherwise). We need information (use language we can comprehend), but we also need to listen to what is being asked of us (it asks of us a certain height). There are so many voices of doom, as there have always been, but humans are also so capable of extraordinary courage, kindness, and strength. Perhaps this poem is calling us to look for what will help us rise above the gloom. Choosing something like a star helps me. I hope it helps you.
 Robert Frost 1874-1963″Choose Something Like a Star” (1916) O Star (the fairest one in sight), We grant your loftiness the right To some obscurity of cloud – It will not do to say of night, Since dark is what brings out your light. Some mystery becomes the proud. But to be wholly taciturn In your reserve is not allowed. Say something to us we can learn By heart and when alone repeat. Say something! And it says “I burn.” But say with what degree of heat. Talk Fahrenheit, talk Centigrade. Use language we can comprehend. Tell us what elements you blend. It gives us strangely little aid, But does tell something in the end. And steadfast as Keats’ Eremite, Not even stooping from its sphere, It asks a little of us here. It asks of us a certain height, So when at times the mob is swayed To carry praise or blame too far, We may choose something like a star To stay our minds on and be staid. https://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/rf-star.htm |
Thank you to all who make this writing space
a place of safety, support, and beauty.
pelicansandprose 
I really needed to read this poem. I’ve loved Robert Frost poetry since I was in 8th grade. But I had never read this poem before.
since dark is what brings out your light, hit me. Oof. Beautiful piece thank you for sharing and happy March to you
That poem is such a glorious celebration of nature and its power to speak to us. Thank you for reminding me of it. I’ve thought a lot about language since the misinterpretation of Zelinsky’s words yesterday. I think it was intentional on Vance’s part. Like you, I find answers in poetry. Frost connects me to Mary oliver, to Joy Harjo, and to others who respond to the craziness in the world through verse.
I love how you are using this poem in your slice. May we all rise above the gloom!
I’m taking a moment this morning to read the slices that got posted after yesterday morning and found YOU!! Thank you for your wise words and sharing a poem I had never read and need to, especially now! Happy March.