Young poets are always asking, 'Of all the poems you have written, what is your favourite poem?' I have trouble designating a particular poem. For me, it's a bit like being asked, 'Of all your children, who is your favourite?
Among a poet's collection there are poems that receive a good reaction, and poems that receive regular requests. There are also poems that have quite special memories attached to them. This makes them particularly special for me as the writer. Then there are those freshly made poems that as a poet I am keen to share. Those poems bring a new energy. Nestled among my favourite poems are some that are more intentionally thoughtful, because poetry is capable of appealing to every emotion. I like it when my poems make a reader, laugh and smile, giggle and guffaw, but I am equally pleased when my poems make the reader pause to think.
I am happy to declare quite openly though, the following poem, written by Brian Moses remains a personal favourite of mine...
'A Feather From An Angel' is the very first offering in Brian's anthology- 'Lost Magic, the Very Best of Brian Moses' - and while the poet is careful not to declare any particular poem in this impressive collection as being his outright favourite, I suspect this poem might be a strong contender.
A FEATHER FROM AN ANGEL
Anton’s box of treasures held
a silver key and a glassy stone,
a figurine made of polished bone
and a feather from an angel.
The figurine was from Borneo,
the stone from France or Italy,
the silver key was a mystery
but the feather came from an angel.
We might have believed him if he’d said
the feather fell from a bleached white crow
but he always replied, “It’s an angel’s, I know,
a feather from an angel.”
We might have believed him if he’d said,
“An albatross let the feather fall,”
But he had no doubt, no doubt at all,
his feather came from an angel.
“I thought I’d dreamt him one night,” he’d say,
“But in the morning I knew he’d been there;
he left a feather on my bedside chair,
a feather from an angel.”
And it seems that all my life I’ve looked
for that sort of belief that nothing could shift,
something simple yet precious as Anton’s gift,
a feather from an angel.
© 2005, Brian Moses
In our lives, having faith is the best part! Thanks for this, Alan, a poem for good living, yes?
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly Linda. Faith is a must. I'm so glad you liked this pearl of a poem.
DeleteLove this poem, Alan! Am anxious now to read more of Brian's work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jama. Brian has been a most prolific poet, so you will find much to explore. Enjoy the quest.
DeleteReally great poem to share. Love that returning line, and the importance it signifies in his belief. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a great poem to share and I have done this quite a lot since purchasing this book. I agree that the faith Anton had in his personal belief was strong.
DeleteThank you for sharing, Alan! It goes to the top of my favorites list.
ReplyDeleteOh Alice, that's a ringing endorsement if ever I heard one! So pleased you enjoyed Brian's powerful words. Sharing is important between we poets.
DeleteThank you so much for this poem. I too love that recurring line, but I'm equally impressed that Anton's belief was evidence based. If you wake in the morning after dreaming of angels to find a feather by your bed, where else could it come from?
ReplyDeleteAnton's faith is the thread running through this poem no doubt of that Cheriee. Thank you for your thoughts.
DeleteSo lovely...and hopeful.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Mary Lee. It is the hopefulness and unyielding faith of Anton that shines through.
DeleteThank you for sharing this lovely poem. It is hard to choose just one favorite. Whenever I'm asked for my favorite anything, the best I can do is my favorite right now with the qualifciation it might change tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI like your approach to this important issue Kay. It has both diplomacy and flexibility surrounding it. Wriggle room is important sometimes.
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