Second Cup of Saturday Morning Coffee
by Christine Adams Beckett
Attached is a clip of Richard Wilbur, second Poet Laureate of the United States, two time Pulitzer Prize winner and a member of Montclair High School’s Class of 1938. Here he recites his Love Calls Us To The Things of this World, one of Wilbur’s favorites, much anthologized and often read aloud. Another lauded American poet, the late William Meredith, said that Wilbur “Obviously believes that the universe is decent, in the lovely, derivative sense of that word;” and this piece may have you thinking twice about the transcendental nature of the simple task of hanging your laundry to dry.
So grab that second cup of coffee, and perhaps a fist full of clothes pins NOW. This one, if you’re anything like me, will have you swooning.
My mom still hangs the laundry out to dry – even in the basement in winter. I have had the good fortune to spend quite a bit of time there this year – having Laura at upenn – staying there between softball games. Climbing into that clean bed with sheets dried on the line – bliss. Loved this – thanks for posting.
Glad you enjoyed it, Claudia! Sounds like the practice already held a certain spirituality for you… Will post again about Richard Wilbur; he is a lovely person, wound in strength and beauty.