Plough My Account Sign Out
My Account
    View Cart

    Subtotal: $

    Checkout
    Detail from a painting by Vallatton, entitled To Remember Andelys.

    There Are Things to Be Remembered

    Set to music by Becca Stevens

    By Jane Tyson Clement

    October 1, 2018
    0 Comments
    0 Comments
    0 Comments
      Submit

    There are things to be remembered
    when the heart is old,
    and many words are waiting
    before the tale is told;
    for many hawks are plunging
    upon the summer air,
    and still the mice are creeping,
    and still the world is fair.

    A necessary evil
    is portioned to the heart;
    we might as well acknowledge
    the devil from the start
    and know the hasty blossom
    as swiftly will decay,
    while other flowers are waiting
    to grace a forward day.

    It is foolish to have wisdom
    and folly to be blind;
    to see and take and question
    must nourish any mind;
    reserve a quiet judgment
    until the heart is old,
    when fewer words are needed
    before the tale is told.

    This poem was set to music by jazz and folk musician Becca Stevens, acclaimed by The New York Times as “a singer and guitarist with a profound originality enhanced by an innate sense of melody.” Hear it on her 2015 album “Perfect Animal” and watch the YouTube video below.

    https://youtu.be/0sUOzkdmmkw


    This poem is from No One Can Stem the Tide.

    Detail from a painting by Felix Vallatton showing a landscape of green fields and a winding river, with a golden sky, and black rain pouring down from the upper right corner. Felix Vallatton, To Remember Andelys (detail)
    Contributed By JaneTysonClement Jane Tyson Clement

    Jane Tyson Clement (1917–2000) was a poet, author, and playwright.

    Learn More
    0 Comments
    You have ${x} free ${w} remaining. This is your last free article this month. We hope you've enjoyed your free articles. This article is reserved for subscribers.

      Already a subscriber? Sign in

    Try 3 months of unlimited access. Start your FREE TRIAL today. Cancel anytime.

    Start free trial now