Once again, I'm taking part in what I have come to think of as a very lovely tradition, the Bloggers Silent Poetry Reading that marks the Feast of St. Brigid. The first year I did it, I asked my father-in-law, the poet, to provide me with a favourite of his. The next year he did me the honour again. In Lene's family, they always say that if you do something twice, that makes it a tradition, and apparently Joe Sr. feels that way too, since this year he was the one who reminded me that Silent Poetry Reading was coming up, and asked me when I needed his poem by. Clearly, he has come to think of this space as "his" for this day of the year, and who am I to argue with him. Old Joe (as the children call him, to set him apart from his son who is "Our Joe" ) is splitting his time these days between frozen Toronto, snowy Quidi Vidi (pronounced "kitty viddy") in Newfoundland, and Mecca, Saudi Arabia - which is where he is today - enjoying a temperature of 33 degrees (91F). (Whoops. He's back!) I wondered, when he sent me this by email, if it was the hot weather there that had inspired him, but I'm guessing not. Were I a betting woman, I would have my money on the brief but remarkable Newfoundland summer... made all the more special by the contrast with the long and dark winter.
For me it conjured up images of my daughters on the rocks at Shallow Bay a few years ago, young women more than children, and how the beauty of a young girl at the sea is the likely the only thing that can outshine a summer day in the succinct but glorious Newfoundland summer.
O see the pulse of summer in the ice.
Dylan Thomas
Summer Girls
I see summer girls in splendor
Walk foot bare on fields of green
Sea-wet hair dried by warm breezes
Swirling through an open screen.
I see summer skin sun-ripened
Under flowing loose white gown
Mound of freckled salt-stiff breast
Hair at nape of neck like down.
I see summer girls in laughter
After yellow ball spins round
Voices murmur in the twilight
Fever rising with the sound.
I see summer rain on faces
Sleep-soft bodies stir in morn
Stain of virgin seed and berry
Strut of sainted youth reborn.
I see you summer girls and dread
The day veils will turn heartless
No more to open on blue hills
When I lie down with darkness.
Joseph Dunphy
Despite icicles and frozen gutters I can see summer. Thank you, and thanks to Old Joe.
Posted by: Julie at February 2, 2008 3:39 PMSo beautiful.
Posted by: Sally at February 2, 2008 3:44 PMSecond! I've never even been close to this before! Old Joe, beautiful poetry, and thank you.
Posted by: Taylor at February 2, 2008 3:46 PMSo awsome! Your dfil is quite the poet!
Posted by: Emily at February 2, 2008 3:48 PMand then in summer's heat, we'll dream of winter...
Posted by: grannypurple at February 2, 2008 3:48 PMoh wow. that is so , so beautiful. thank you.
(sorry, i'm all filled up now, gotta stop typing)
Beautiful. Thank you.
Posted by: sillyo at February 2, 2008 3:52 PMThat was really wonderful. Thank you for sharing it!
Posted by: JennM at February 2, 2008 3:54 PMOhh, beautiful... I'm with anne at 3:51. Must go wipe eyes now. But not before I say I *love* the last line. What a wonderfully evocative ending to what's gone before! Thank you, Old Joe. And Stephanie.
Posted by: MonicaPDX at February 2, 2008 3:56 PMWhat beauty. Thank you to Old Joe and to you for sharing it. My dream vacation is to be in Newfoundland. Most people think that is weird, but I love the rock and the sea and the special colour of the place. Someday...
Posted by: samm at February 2, 2008 3:57 PMBeautiful. A wonderful poem, yet again. Thanks to Joe for sharing his gift (and to you for posting it!)
Posted by: Jen in CT at February 2, 2008 3:59 PMThanks for the reminder that summer will come again. Eventually.
Posted by: Deanna at February 2, 2008 4:07 PMThat is quite the stunning poem. I'm not usually one to slow down enough to savor poetry, so it has to be something special to catch my eye.
Posted by: Lynn at February 2, 2008 4:09 PMThank you, Mr. Dunphy, for the memories of summers past, the dream of summers yet to come, and the appreciation of how lucky we are to be granted them.
Posted by: Barbara M. at February 2, 2008 4:10 PMlovely. thank you for sharing the warm words.
Posted by: mary at February 2, 2008 4:19 PMWow. Simply, Wow. Big Joe, you rock!
Posted by: Kat the cold Knitter/Crocheter at February 2, 2008 4:33 PMAw...beautiful. Thanks Old Joe! =)
Posted by: ashpags at February 2, 2008 4:34 PMThank you for the vision of summer in the midst of winter. Thank you for sharing Old Joe's words. How lucky you are to have him in your life. I found a poem of mine about the newness of spring. It's on my blog. Click on my name and stop over for a visit.
Posted by: Barbara at February 2, 2008 4:39 PMI put mine up. Thanks, I would have forgotten this year!
That was such a touching poem. How Lucky to have someone so eloquent in the family(besides you of course)
Posted by: sarah at February 2, 2008 4:39 PMWow, that's a beautiful poem. Good choice Old Joe!
(If I'm thinking of the right person, I happen to like Dylan Thomas now I think... sorry, I'm not an English major, so I don't know if I'm thinking of the correct person...)
Posted by: Crystal at February 2, 2008 4:42 PMOld Joe is John Donne reincarnate. Lucky us!
Posted by: korinthe at February 2, 2008 4:46 PMA pleasure Old Joe, a simple pleasure.
For the uninitiated Steph, pleasee explain St. Brigid's day and when it is!
Lovely. Reminds me of Gerard Manly Hopkins
Posted by: Amy at February 2, 2008 4:53 PMBeautiful photos. You look cute sitting on the rocks. Thank you for the poetry. I'm a crazed poet, hidden deep inside. I'm, now, inspired to write.
Posted by: Iris in Virginia at February 2, 2008 5:07 PMI can never remember poetry. Without using the internet the only thing which comes to mind is...
Shake and Shake
The Ketchup Bottle
None will come
And then a lot'll
Happy Groundhog Day!
Posted by: Heide at February 2, 2008 5:09 PMBeautiful - it really touched me. I had an uncle & cousin who were both named Joe - the elder was Big Joe & the younger was Little Joe. The ironic thing was that Big Joe was shorter - only 5' tall while Little Joe was 5'2" - both tiny men.
Posted by: Donna at February 2, 2008 5:15 PMThanks to Old Joe and you for sharing these bright summer thoughts. I see where you get your gift with words! Carolyn G
Posted by: Carolyn G at February 2, 2008 5:15 PMThank you.
Posted by: grace at February 2, 2008 5:15 PMAs always, lovely. Thank you, Joe.
Posted by: Lisa at February 2, 2008 5:23 PMBeautiful! What a lovely tradition!
Posted by: Janey at February 2, 2008 5:28 PMThank you Stephanie and Joe for a moment's reprieve from winter icicles and an unwanted skating rink in my backyard.
Posted by: Nancy at February 2, 2008 5:31 PMThank you, Old Joe, for sharing your wonderful poetry with Stephanie! And thank you Stephanie for sharing it with all of us!
Posted by: Meredith at February 2, 2008 5:36 PM thank you
lovely time for poets and readers
Beautiful, thank you both.
Posted by: Faith at February 2, 2008 5:37 PMI'm a Dylan Thomas fan, but that's a new one on me - thanks, (old) Joe!
Posted by: quinn at February 2, 2008 5:49 PMSimply Beautiful. Longing for summer now.
Posted by: Kai at February 2, 2008 5:50 PMSTUNNING. I have a bit of a tear in my eye at the last stanza and Old Joe's perception and appreciation for what he won't be "there for" when he's gone. A very beautiful use of the seasons as the stages of life. If the family choses to compile a collection for publication, I would love a copy. Last year's poem was equally as wonderful.
Posted by: Friday's Mom at February 2, 2008 6:14 PMThank you so much for sharing those beautiful words!! Now I am longing for warm weather!!
Posted by: Keren at February 2, 2008 6:16 PMWhat Korinthe said...Big Joe? you ARE John Donne come back to us again. Thank you for an amazing and wonderful poem. It isn't too often in this life that art, however great, causes one to catch the breath and hold the silence as the last words fade...
Posted by: caroline at February 2, 2008 6:26 PMLovely. Love the short sharp shock at the end.
Well done, old Joe.
xo Kay
Posted by: Kay at February 2, 2008 6:34 PMVery beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mellanie at February 2, 2008 6:41 PMLovely lovely thank you .My sister in law is from Newfoundland too and such a dear sweet person. They just make them that way down there don't they .She lives in Toronto and LOVES to go "down home " to replenish her soul. Thank you Joseph.
Posted by: JonaH at February 2, 2008 6:52 PMJoe Sr. is a talented and generous man for writing and sharing such a lovely poem. Thanks for posting it.
Posted by: Ellen-Mary at February 2, 2008 6:53 PMit's beautiful. very emotional too. poetry has not moved me like that for some time now. truly a work of art.
Posted by: Jem at February 2, 2008 6:59 PMThis is truly why I love the internet (although there are moments when I loathe it)! In what other time would I have had the opportunity to read such beautiful poetry by Joseph Dunphy.
Posted by: Joan at February 2, 2008 7:03 PMThat was beautiful. Tears came to my eyes as I remember living in St. John's and enjoying all the differences from Western Canada. The photos of you and your girls there was definitely of a large day in NFLD.
Posted by: Rona at February 2, 2008 7:05 PMBreathtaking...and such a warm respite on an otherwise cold, dreary day in Pennsylvania.
Thanks Old Joe.
You have sent his poems to your publishers, yes? Cuz really, I'm going to need to be able to read them more often than once a year.
Posted by: Carrie at February 2, 2008 7:13 PMAh. It reminds me of what we have to look forward to.
Posted by: sandyinwyoming at February 2, 2008 7:28 PMFor Imbolc, my fiance gave me a beautiful statue of Brighid from Sacred Source, which is a little company my friends own, which arrived yesterday. She is standing on her holy well, with SHEEP around her, poem scrolls to read in one hand, and a sword and forge behind her.
We're doing a little family ritual today in her honor, and when I find a poem to read there, I'll blog it. Some of these blogging traditions are very good! Thank you!
Posted by: Suna at February 2, 2008 7:43 PMThank you both for the reminder that summer will come again someday. This winter, I think I'd forgotten.
Posted by: Riin at February 2, 2008 7:44 PMThank you.
Posted by: Gina at February 2, 2008 7:53 PMYour annual tradition beats the heck out of Groundhog Day.
And the summery images were very much welcome. Very nice.
Posted by: Liz at February 2, 2008 7:57 PMYou father-in-law writes beautifully. I put my poem (one of Al Purdy's) up earlier today.
Posted by: Jo at February 2, 2008 8:08 PMThank you. What a lovely way to begin a quiet evening after a wonderful day.
Posted by: Jennifer at February 2, 2008 8:23 PMThank you, Old Joe. Thank you.
Posted by: Jo-Anne at February 2, 2008 8:30 PMThat was truly beautiful. Old Joe is a really fine poet.
Posted by: Orghlaith at February 2, 2008 8:43 PMAbsolutely beautiful!! He is a master with words.
Posted by: Sarasue at February 2, 2008 8:44 PMI am in Newfoundland now..
Posted by: Denise in Caledon at February 2, 2008 8:49 PMBeautiful, again, as always. Thank Joe for me.
Posted by: Jane at February 2, 2008 8:50 PMWhat Rams said.
(I'm just pre-emptively agreeing with her.)
Posted by: Presbytera at February 2, 2008 9:05 PMThank you. Beautiful post. Yours and his.
Posted by: AlisonH at February 2, 2008 9:25 PMThank you! This is our first year of celebrating St. Brigid via a Waldorf Candlemas Festival (celebrating the coming of spring)! We're making beeswax candles, and in true stash busting fashion, I concocted wicks by crocheting cotton...we'll see how my experiment works! The poem was truly beautiful to help us think of the coming spring/summer!
Posted by: Katherine C. at February 2, 2008 9:31 PMSuch beautiful words
This poem and others for
Feast of St. Brigid.
Quiet and lovely,
The words and photos combine
a true family.
I love your pictures, very pretty.
Posted by: Courtney at February 2, 2008 9:46 PMhis work is deeply beautiful. even now, i still like to recall his piece on the yellow house...
Posted by: christine m. east of toronto at February 2, 2008 9:54 PMThat is so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. Thank you both.
Posted by: Knitter Kitter at February 2, 2008 10:01 PMThat is not a comfortable poem. I'm 38, which is old enough to see old age approach, but young enough to not have to deal with it yet. This poem brings it right into my face, whether I will or no. And there isn't much comfort to be had in the poem. Only the knowledge that life pulses just as strongly in the winter of one's life as in the summer.
Posted by: LaurieM at February 2, 2008 10:15 PMThank you for conjuring up some wonderful memories of my childhood summers at the lake. It is not easy to make a guy feel warmed to the soul on a February night in Yellowknife, and today's post did just that.
(Thanks for reading the blog, too. I think my mother will love me now).
Posted by: Hart at February 2, 2008 10:23 PMWow, thanks, that was so beautiful.
Newfoundland is a beautiful place-summer or winter. Places like that are why so many of us stay in the "frozen" north. I had been thinking that this particular winter was dragging on but now I remember why we choose the north.
Wow. Old Joe ROCKS. What a great poem. Please remember next year!
Posted by: Jen H. at February 2, 2008 10:39 PMI have just started reading your blog 'from the ground up' and I am on Feb 10, 2004. I am laughing and smiling and feeling like I'm not the only complete knitty-obsessive, roll in my yarn (well, think about it anyway), person out there.
The picture of the carded pieces of wool (you may have to check that blog to remember) actually made me gag. I know what they are, but I can't delete the idea of what they actually look like and I'll have to return to your blog tomorrow and skip Feb. 10, 2004.
LOVE YOUR WRITING! It is a great inspiration!
Posted by: rani at February 2, 2008 10:48 PMPeople choose their spaces and times to "be" in such varied ways...some love the camping, the woods, the snow and all that nature brings. I live in the woods, it does snow here. I always yearn for the sea. If I am lucky, I see it for a week or so once a year in the summer and bring back stones, shells, a little sand to keep it with me as long as I can. I am a waterbaby as is my sixteen year old daughter (the moebius I knitted for her to wear over her dress we both call seafoam...it looks like it)
Please tell Old Joe that he has captured the beauty of those summers when I was that young girl. Now I watch my girl trailing down the edge of the water being that girl...new freckles every day, sea and sun dried hair.
Tell him the blog is so glad you shared.
Posted by: Melinda at February 2, 2008 10:50 PMThank you for sharing this poem We have been playing "Guess How Far Below Zero It Is" all day and Joe has added a much needed bit of warmth on this "mitten day".
Posted by: Carole at February 2, 2008 10:51 PMLovely.... just lovely.
Posted by: Beth at February 2, 2008 10:52 PMWonderful! I do so enjoy Joe Sr's work...and yes, the summer sun almost made it warm here in the chilly south...
My contribution is up on nanasadiesplace - link above.
(((hugs)))
Thanks for sharing with us Stephanie.
Posted by: Susan at February 2, 2008 11:03 PMMy favorite poem is one that helps me to live in the frozen north.
No orchard's the worse for the wintriest storm;
But one thing about it, It mustn't get warm.
"How often already you've had to be told,
Keep cold, young orchard. Good-bye and keep cold.
Excerp from Good-Bye and Keep Cold.
Robert Frost
THANK YOU !
Posted by: helga at February 2, 2008 11:20 PMYesterday I bitched about the furnace running non stop and today I feel a touch of summer in the air with your marvelous father-in-law's poem. Yay for Joe Sr.!!!!
Posted by: Anita at February 2, 2008 11:36 PMBeautiful poem and beautiful pictures too! Thank you Old Joe.
Posted by: Sydney at February 2, 2008 11:50 PMI know that I've been in English class too long when I try to instinctively analyze the poem. I read it once then started to mentally circle the imagery and diction words and syntax. It's kinda horrifying actually....
My mind, not the poem. The poem is lovely. XD
Posted by: Convivialiddell at February 3, 2008 1:10 AMBeautiful...beautiful
Thank you
Simply lovely. Thanks to both of you.
Posted by: Marcy at February 3, 2008 1:16 AMBeautiful poem, thank you for carrying on the tradition!
Posted by: Irie at February 3, 2008 3:09 AMWhat a gorgeous poem... It sent chills down my spine.
Posted by: AJ at February 3, 2008 5:21 AMExquisite and a touch of summer heat in the dark days. Thanks to "Old Joe".
Posted by: alison at February 3, 2008 7:01 AMI am not a poetry person at all. My eyes glaze over and my mind wanders. But this poem made me tear up. It made me feel like an old person looking back on my youth while watching grandkids. (I'm not old, lol)
Anyway I too just finished reading this blog from beginning to end and had to stop myself more than once from commenting on really old posts. Good luck with the washer and the teenagers. I look forward to reading more!
Posted by: Leoal at February 3, 2008 8:04 AMLovely! Thanks
Posted by: Terri L. Cox at February 3, 2008 8:36 AMAmazing poem. Now that I know about the celebration, I'll be sure to participate next year!
Thank you for your wonderful blog! I've been a lurker for about 6 months and one of my resolutions for the year is to comment on the blogs I read to show them some love! :)
Posted by: Jen Sirois at February 3, 2008 8:53 AMLovely. Thank you Old Joe!
Posted by: canknitian at February 3, 2008 9:04 AMvery beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Shell at February 3, 2008 10:01 AMAbsolutely beautiful poem. It makes the long winter days (not these beautiful snowy ones - the cold cold grey windy ones) seem like they might end eventually.
On a totally unrelated note: Are you not a practicing doula anymore? I used to like reading your birthing stories but I guess somewhere along the line you gave that up and I missed it. Birthing women everywhere should mourn the loss. Had I known, I would have roped you into helping me!
Posted by: Lise at February 3, 2008 10:03 AMThat gave me chills, very poignant.
Posted by: April at February 3, 2008 10:07 AMTo Joe, Sr.
You have been given a gift that many aspire to receive, a gift of painting with words the landscape of our souls. Those are the painters I most revere. I live "too much" in that interior landscape. Your poem took me to the East End of Long Island and my own childhood and young-woman-hood. My heart will live there long after I've gone to my long rest.
May God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, continue to bless you, as He already has.
dee
Posted by: dee near Berkeley at February 3, 2008 10:17 AMThank you for sharing Joe, Sr.'s beautiful wordcraft. Now I am yearning for summer and the sea.
Posted by: Sharon In Michigan at February 3, 2008 10:37 AMOkay. Someone please pass the tissues. May this loving grandfather with the poet's soul be there to dance at the joys in their lives for many many years to come. Long life and sturdy health to all of you.
Can I get an amen?
Posted by: maddy in nc at February 3, 2008 10:55 AMbeautiful words, beautiful summer. thank you.
Posted by: lisa at February 3, 2008 11:10 AMAbsolutely lovely. Thank you (both!) so much for sharing.
Posted by: Jocelyn at February 3, 2008 11:35 AMGenerally, poetry is just not something I enjoy. However, I do look forward to reading Old Joe's poetry on Silent Poetry day and enjoy it immensely every time.
I've read the suggestions before, but Old Joe and Lene really should consider a collaboration.
Posted by: Diane at February 3, 2008 11:41 AMThank you Old Joe and Thank you Stephanie. I loved last year's poen as well. I'm going to see if he is published and purchase. The words just took me away. Thank you again Stephanie for sharing your lovely family and life with us.
Posted by: cecelia at February 3, 2008 11:58 AMThank Old Joe for me too.
Blessed Imbolc, Candlemas, St Brides Day to you and yours.
Posted by: Denise~ at February 3, 2008 12:10 PMBeautiful Poem! What awsome talent lies in your family! Thanks for sharing!
I received this bit of information this morning in an email and thought you might find it helpful!
"Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with
Cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the
Squirrels won't come near it."
I have no idea if it will work to keep the little beasties away from the wool but it couldn't hurt to try!
What a beautiful poem, Old Joe! Thanks for sharing it, Stephanie.
Posted by: Jani at February 3, 2008 1:25 PMbeautiful poetry, beautiful photos.
Posted by: marti at February 3, 2008 1:26 PMYour FIL is an amazing poet. What can't your family do?
Posted by: Alyson at February 3, 2008 2:10 PMPlease let us know if Joe Sr. publishes his poetry. I would treasure such a book. Thank you!
Posted by: Gail at February 3, 2008 3:00 PMSweet.
Posted by: CarolynD at February 3, 2008 3:32 PMThis is a Gorgeous piece of writing - thank you for sharing it with us. :)
Thank you for sharing that lovely poetry and I dream of knitting on the rock.
Posted by: Aline at February 3, 2008 5:33 PMBeautiful poem! Since you posted it here, I am hoping that it will be all right if I save it. If I show it to anyone else, I will give Joe full credit via you.
Posted by: Katherine at February 3, 2008 5:46 PMAh, yes. This day needs to be his. Thank you both.
Posted by: Emily at February 3, 2008 7:02 PMJoe Sr. has done it again. Absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: Cindy C in Tennessee at February 3, 2008 7:48 PMlove your blog, love your knits, hate that poem. sorry.
Posted by: beans at February 3, 2008 8:26 PMWow! Shallow Bay (if this is the Gros Morne shallow bay) is right smack in my dissertation field area! I'm working on describing fossils from the Cow Head Peninsula at the moment! Who knew I would find this connection on a knitting blog! Maybe this means I should be doing some writing on my dissertation... hmm.
Posted by: talia at February 3, 2008 8:33 PMthat was beautiful-i culd see it in my mind's eye like a movie. i wish i had the talent of Old Joe
not to be a thorn in the side, but here's what happens in a parallel universe when you forget how to purl.
http://emeraldmist01.blogspot.com/2008/02/knitters-court.html
Thanks for turning around what has been a less than stellar day..... My daughter has a fondness for the name Brigid (chose it for her confirmation) and I'm from Newfoundland where summer is short but very sweet and memorable - so it all came together to remind me how lucky I am. Many thanks to you and to Joe for the blog and the poetry!
Posted by: Mary Furlong at February 3, 2008 9:02 PMThank you, so simple and so beautiful.
Posted by: Wanda Platte at February 3, 2008 9:15 PMIt's beautiful. Thank you.
Posted by: monique at February 3, 2008 11:00 PMThis is lovely, all of his poems that you have posted are. When is "Old Joe"'s book coming out? :-)
Posted by: Theresa at February 3, 2008 11:28 PMthat takes me to another place.. beautiful. thank you.
Posted by: leanne at February 4, 2008 12:56 AMStunningly beautiful and simply eloquent. Thank you.
And thanks for the reminder. I need to get something up for the event.
Posted by: dez at February 4, 2008 1:36 AMAll I can say is ... wow... that was beautiful.
Posted by: Patti at February 4, 2008 1:52 AMCongrats on the Best Activities Blog award! :)
http://cdnba.wordpress.com/2008/02/03/best-activities-blog-of-2007/
Posted by: Talvi at February 4, 2008 4:10 AMThat poem made me cry...it's so beautiful.
Posted by: Emilie at February 4, 2008 6:22 AMLovely.
Posted by: Sabine at February 4, 2008 7:22 AMI'm glad I didn't get to this post until this morning. What a wonderful poem to read as the snow falls in NYC.
Posted by: Lesley at February 4, 2008 9:06 AMHooray for Quidi Vidi- my grandfather's family is from there, and I had the delightful opportunity to visit back in high school. It also makes a lovely cat name.
Posted by: anne at February 4, 2008 9:43 AMawesome poem
Posted by: laura at February 4, 2008 10:42 AMWhat a beautiful piece to read as the snow falls. Tears down my face, too. Thanks, Steph and Old Joe.
Posted by: bipolarbear at February 4, 2008 10:43 AMThank you Old Joe for providing us a reminder that summer is coming, even as we shiver with the cold. . .
Posted by: Shel at February 4, 2008 10:45 AMThank you for sharing, and thank you for marking this day. I would never have known of the Feast of Brighid if it were'nt for my birthday being on this day, therefore, it is a very special day for me also. Brighid Green
Posted by: brighid at February 4, 2008 11:16 AMBeautiful. I live happy knowing that Dylan Thomas takes up so much space in my brain.
Posted by: lanea at February 4, 2008 11:24 AMHow lovely----Old Joe certainly does have a way with words. Thank You!
Posted by: lisa Co. Springs at February 4, 2008 11:53 AMThank you so much, this is a beautiful poem and I found it at just the right time. thank you.
Posted by: deborah oak at February 4, 2008 1:08 PMTell Old Joe he made me cry. That poem is really beautiful.
Posted by: Susan G. at February 4, 2008 1:11 PMGoodness! Steph, what can you do to get Old Joe published? He's onto something.
Posted by: Tressa in NC at February 4, 2008 1:44 PMOld Joe - You did proud. I was there, in the poem, which is a good thing. Thank you
Posted by: Tiferet at February 4, 2008 1:47 PMGoosebumps and tears - beautiful! Thanks to you and Old Joe for sharing!
Posted by: Margaret at February 4, 2008 2:09 PMWow, awesome poem, thanks Old Joe.
Posted by: shelly at February 4, 2008 3:07 PMWhat a beautiful poem. Seriously.
Thank you for sharing that with us Old Joe/Joe Sr.
Posted by: Miss Scarlett at February 4, 2008 9:12 PMi'm a longtime lurker - first time i've ever posted. ... thanks to Old Joe for evoking the warm loveliness of all the summers of my life in the middle of my vermont winter.
Posted by: vicki at February 4, 2008 10:33 PMBeautiful, Old(er) Joe! Thank you for sharing those words with us. Of course, it was 70 degrees F here yesterday. And 74 today. Oh winter, where did you go?
Posted by: Tasha at February 5, 2008 6:34 PMThe picture of you on the rocks reminds me of the famous photo of Elizabeth Zimmermann knitting in Muskoka(?) from her book, Knitting Around.
Posted by: Eva at February 6, 2008 9:44 AMI love..love..love...your leaves!!!! I love your site. Thank you for sharing..:)
Posted by: Jean at February 7, 2008 8:20 PMThe socks are an absolute visual treat. I would never wear socks such as those - but they really are yummy looking.
OK - how far along were the pinkish socks in the photo? To think you finished them in one day - I'm absolutely gob smacked.
I am breathless at the beauty of the visual evoked by the poem. Thank you so much for sharing this traditon with us all. I will look forward to next year's post
Posted by: Robin at February 9, 2008 12:10 PM