In ecstasy the earth
Drank the silver sunlight
The skeletal trees looming out of the icy fog, like spiky monsters, the frost clinging to their branches adding to the ethereal atmosphere, the meadows by the river crisp and white and still. Only the strengthening orange glow of the hidden but rising sun indicating that this strange and silent vista is just a temporary phenomenon. Like all the seasons, Winter has its unique moments, and they always seem appropriate to the time. January, the start of a new year and it just feels right that it should bring such a sharp and clean freshness to the days – a clean sheet of paper for a clean start to the year.
It’s also an opportunity to get a favourite scarf out of the drawer!
A Winter Bluejay by Sara Teasdale – from A Poem for Every Winter Day
Crisply the bright snow whispered,
Crunching beneath our feet;
Behind us as we walked along the parkway,
Our shadows danced,
Fantastic shapes in vivid blue.
Across the lake the skaters
Flew to and fro,
With sharp turns weaving
A frail invisible net.
In ecstasy the earth
Drank the silver sunlight;
In ecstasy the skaters
Drank the wine of speed;
In ecstasy we laughed
Drinking the wine of love.
Had not the music of our joy
Sounded its highest note?
But no,
For suddenly, with lifted eyes you said,
“Oh look!”
There, on the black bough of a snow flecked maple,
Fearless and gay as our love,
A bluejay cocked his crest!
Oh who can tell the range of joy
Or set the bounds of beauty?
This week’s selection of fine books are defintiely ones to add to your bookshelves. Whether you want a kooky crime, like Karsten Dusse’s Murder Mindfully, or a historical fiction, like James Holland’s Alvesdon, then look no further. Alternatively, if you’d rather dip into something more factual we have some tip-top philosophy, gardening and history titles. Plus, something for little ones too!
As always, if you want anything ordering in, or you need anything, do let us know!
From Amber
Feeling curious? Click on the book covers below to explore the book.
The full newsletter with links to books – including this week’s Signed Editions – can be found HERE
