Lent is a time for being still, at peace, making time and space in our lives for quiet reflection. And for me, few things help me to do that more than the song of a blackbird in the late afternoon and early evening. There’s something magical about its gentle fluting song, so melodious, so innocent, and to me at least, so full of joy. I can’t claim there is anything religious about the following simple poem, nor that it’s particularly profound. I wrote it long ago as a student, and it’s probably more than a shade pretentious, but hopefully it gets across the message of how therapeutic it can be simply to pause sometimes, and listen, and reflect.
O gentle creature, how innocent the notes
that flood the restful air with tender hymns
of harmony, and psalms of praise.
Above the world your vesper floats –
a rhapsody of joy, in which each cadence brims
with hope that makes my spirits raise.
Do not leave me, little one, though now the day’s
sweet treasury of light grows dim;
through you my thoughts are calmed; a stream of calm flows in.
I beg you, do not go away,
but rather linger still and carol on, that I may
all your tranquil moments win.
Dear friend, you’ll never know the poverty
of selfish heart, nor feel the thrust of bitter tongue;
so from your lofty pedestal sing tenderly,
for I would by your peace be overcome.