books and music
from over the years
live on these shelves
even if I don’t
reread or listen again
somehow their
healing influence
is in these words
* * *
older now
and when I shop
and when those who
help me are so kind
I am truly blessed
* * *
Images are courtesy of The Dover Design Sampler, from Dover Publications.
They are from William Morris Full-Color Patterns and Designs. The first picture is called “Daisy Design” and the second is “Anemone Design.”
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 
When I looked at that first illustration, I thought, “Williiam Morris? No…. not quite. But, maybe.” And now I see that it is his work. It’s quite different from most I’ve seen. Both are lovely.
I smiled at your last poem. I’m beginning to be called “ma’am” in the grocery stores now. Such a shock!
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“ma’am” began for me some time ago!!
I believe I first learned of William Morris from Dover.
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There is an infinite kindness in these poems! The designs were beautiful too! Thank you!
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Thank you, Debbie, for your kind words!
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The books and music live on the shelves, Ellen, and in your heart and mind.
Your opening words transported me to the book cases in the study, where I sat cross-legged, reading titles and looking for the 3rd book in the series of TRIXIE BELDEN mysteries, my favorite when I was nine.
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I remember Trixie Belden too!
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Beautiful illustrations, and it is a blessing to receive help and to be able to accept it gracefully.
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Yes, good to receive with gratitude.
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That is SO TRUE! I often think of the very same thing—and you put it so succinctly!
Margaret L. Been
God’s Word is True — upholding Scripture in an age of apostasy — http://hiswordistrue.wordpress.com/ Grace with Salt — devotional Insights from Scripture — http://gracewithsalt.wordpress.com/ Riches in Glory — mining treasures in illness and pain — http://richesinglory.wordpress.com/ The Messy Palette — growing through art — http://northernview.wordpress.com/ Northern Reflections — reflections on everyday life — http://northernreflections.wordpress.com/
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Hi Margaret, Sending love to you and Joe and family . . . I look at your paintings every day!
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This poem is very encouraging. I’ve read every book in my library at least once and it is good to know that just their presence has a place in my life! Jane
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Dear Jane, Thank you. I’m happy you like the poem.
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Beautiful words, gentle, as are you Ellen.
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Dear Margie, Thank you
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Love William Morris! Such an interesting period in Britain.
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Books and music (and cats and birds and trees and flowers and …) … I wouldn’t want to live without them. Beautiful poem and reflection! And I love William Morris designs.
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Thank you, Diane
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