The Valley of Love and Delight

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

The Shakers knew it.  Most of us have tried

To realize it, hold the notion real,

That beauty comes, its rules are satisfied,

When even Tuesday things will make us feel

The loveliness of life if we apply

The laws of beauty to them first of all.

An ordinary chair each mindful eye

Perceives will be an nth of spirit, small

Though chair may be.  A hat made up of reeds

Will triumph made of home’s simplicity

If fashioned by our loving fingers’ deeds.

Our daily works become becoming beads.

  No necklaces are needed.  Sew the simple dress

    To meet its purpose.  It will whisper, ‘‘Yes.’’