A few links and a poem for the week: While the eclipse won’t affect or be visible in Alaska, a couple of eclipse-related links: an effort that documents soundscapes during solar eclipses—because crickets, frogs, and other nocturnal beings tend to start rousing during an eclipse as if it is suddenly night.
Thanks for this! Don't think that I had ever encountered this poem before, and it's lovely. The Guardian article too — so interesting. I knew Edward Thomas's name from David Orr's charming small book of criticism “The Road Not Taken,” from 2015, but I don't remember much detail about Thomas (it might be there that I've forgotten), or ever seeing his poetry. Will look for more now.
Thank you Freya, I’d not come across Adlestrop but yes, its a transporting poem. Oh to be in England... You reminded me that I saw a collection of Siegfried Sassoon’s war diaries at the Cambridge University Library several years ago, and found them intriguing, heartbreaking and hopeful. I caught the windhover reference. My favourite GMH poems are Pied Beauty and Spring and Fall - I find myself returning to Hopkins at this time of year in our exquisite autumn weather in Melbourne.
Really beautiful Freya. I'm always returning to Thomas, too. I love the listing of plants and his turn to taxonomies in his poetry. He's a poet I use when teaching place. I wrote a little about it in one of my letters, too in relation to Michael Longley and current events.
Hi Freya, I think a deep admiration for Edward Thomas is something we share! If I ever stop at a small train station in England in spring or early summer, I always think of "Adlestrop." He captured the moment so beautifully.
Thanks for this! Don't think that I had ever encountered this poem before, and it's lovely. The Guardian article too — so interesting. I knew Edward Thomas's name from David Orr's charming small book of criticism “The Road Not Taken,” from 2015, but I don't remember much detail about Thomas (it might be there that I've forgotten), or ever seeing his poetry. Will look for more now.
Thank you Freya, I’d not come across Adlestrop but yes, its a transporting poem. Oh to be in England... You reminded me that I saw a collection of Siegfried Sassoon’s war diaries at the Cambridge University Library several years ago, and found them intriguing, heartbreaking and hopeful. I caught the windhover reference. My favourite GMH poems are Pied Beauty and Spring and Fall - I find myself returning to Hopkins at this time of year in our exquisite autumn weather in Melbourne.
Loved reading Adlestrop again and the amazing article.
Really beautiful Freya. I'm always returning to Thomas, too. I love the listing of plants and his turn to taxonomies in his poetry. He's a poet I use when teaching place. I wrote a little about it in one of my letters, too in relation to Michael Longley and current events.
Hi Freya, I think a deep admiration for Edward Thomas is something we share! If I ever stop at a small train station in England in spring or early summer, I always think of "Adlestrop." He captured the moment so beautifully.
"... clouds vanish during a solar eclipse" *
* except in Seattle.
Loved the poem Adlestrop, the photograph, and the story of the friendship with Frost.