One of my favorite poems is William Wordsworth’s “Lines Written in Early Spring.” I came across this poem a couple years ago as I started reading his works. The length is great, and the message is insightful and relevant. Plus, it’s beautifully written.

As I read it, I feel like I’m out in nature as spring is blooming. And, it asks a great question: what have we done with ourselves to lose the joy and pleasure of life?

“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.”

–Robert Frost

The poem is below if you want to read it. But, I recommend you check out more of his poems as well.

I think a good poem is long enough, but not too long. You have to be able to bring out some insight, emotion, or idea in a creative way. So, 3 lines rarely (if ever) does the trick.

I also like simple observations. I love the poetry of the Romantics because they bring out the beauty and joy of ordinary things, often those that are taken for granted. In our rationalistic world, poetry is able to speak to the soul.

Buy this collection of Wordsworth’s works.

Lines Written in Early Spring
BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ’tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure:—
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature’s holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

Read more on Stewardship as I mentioned in this podcast.

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