Fire and Ice

Fire and Ice

by Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire.
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

I've bought and laid out the food and the invitations have been sent.

Yes, I'm having a party and the guests keep arriving. I'm not surprised to see so many. Word gets around when there's delicious food. In such a short time, too.

Even with the icy cold winds and snow drifts hammering at the house the guests keep a-coming. And the noise is unbelievable. Everyone came in great spirits. I've never heard such joy and chatter on such a cold and blustery day.

We have a variety of guests too. I counted a dozen or more of each kind. Cardinals, blue jays, sparrows, chickadee, finches, and a big gray squirrel.

I am blessed to be able to host this party. The joy of giving is well worth it. But really, my guests have given me far more than I have given them.

I want to leave you with another poem about perspective on this cold winter day. Spring is coming and the ice will soon melt away.

A Linnet in a Gilded Cage

by Christina Rossetti

A linnet in a gilded cage,-
A linnet on a bough,_
In frosty winter one might doubt
Which bird is luckier now.

But let the trees burst out in leaf,
And nests be on the bough,-
Which linnet is the luckier bird,
Oh who could doubt it now?
 

For the love of animals

If only animals could talk. We would learn a lot about ourselves if they could.

My dog has the most beseeching eyes and when she looks at me it's always because she wants love, food or approval. I often take her for granted as I rush past her to do some errand. I know that she forgives me when I ignore her. She has adjusted well to being the lowest peg on the rung.

Still, I think she gets the most attention from everyone in the household. All because she's so darn cute.

Here's a couple of poems with the insight of animals. I hope it gives you something to chew on.

The Old Horse in the City
by Vachel Lindsay

The moon's a peck of corn. It lies
Heaped up for me to eat.
I wish that I might climb the path
And taste that supper sweet.

Men feed me straw and scanty grain
And beat me till I'm sore.
Some day I'll break the halter-rope
And Smash the stable-door,

Run down the street and mount the hill
Just as the corn appears.
I've see it rise at certain times
For years and years and years.



The Python
by Hilaire Belloc

A Python I should not advise-
It needs a doctor for its eyes,
    And has the measles yearly.
However, if you feel inclined
To get one (to improve the mind,
    And not from fashion merely),
Allow no music near its cage;
And when it flies into a rage,
    Chastise it most severely.

I had an Aunt in Yucatan
Who bought a Python from a man
    And kept it for a pet.
She died because she never knew
These simple little rules and few-
    The snake is living yet.