Because it is spring
the world unfolds itself to our wonder:
the thawing, melting, juicy dripping
that is the earth softening,
that is our bodies softening,
opening like the green buds of new leaves.
Muscles that have been tightly clenched
begin to lengthen and unfurl
placing eager trust in the warming air
and our winter-pale faces turn like flowers
toward the sun’s comforting heat.
As the earth bestirs its waking self
so does our blood and breath quicken,
our movements informed by the season
becoming supple as air as we lighten,
shedding the heavy vestments of hibernation,
dancing the gladness of spring.
~ Janice Falls
Including one of my own poems is a departure for me but after my dear friend Anne read this at her yoga class this week and again last night at the spring equinox dance she curates, I received a few requests to share this further.
I was surprised to find that I wrote this six years ago, inspired by Anne’s dances that mark the seasonal turnings of the year. I don’t have much more to say than what is contained in the poem itself except that I know I felt this change of season in my body then as I do each year. Perhaps you too are dancing the gladness of spring.
My gratitude to Anne for her inspiration and sharing of these words and to my friends who encourage me always.
So beautiful! What talent! Thanks for sharing it. Much love Diane
Sent from my iPad
>
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thank you dear Diane xoxoxo
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Oh Jan, lovely. Juicy drippings!!! xoxox >
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Not quite there yet but it’s coming 🙂 xoxoxo
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Oh Jan- I love this!! So beautiful and evocative. Thank you for sharing this!!
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thank you dear Elya xoxoxox
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Lovely!
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thanks Katherine xoxoxox
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Jan, this is beautiful! It is sensuous and evocative. I love it. I follow your post religiously and have been waiting for your voice. Keep sharing. It is time.
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Dear Judy, so appreciate your support xoxoxoxo
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I noticed my winter-pale face turning like a flower towards the sun as I read your poem, Jan. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for your sweet response Bill xoxoxox
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MORE Jan Falls! MORE Jan Falls! Just sayin’…………
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Ah Maureen, you make me smile 🙂 xoxoxox
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Thank you Jan. I dance the gladness of receiving you!!! Bring it on!
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I thank you dear friend xoxoxoxo
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Oh Jan….so moved. This poem is one of my favs (of Jan’s) – so embodied. Every line awakens my senses, reminds of of awakening through the body…of spring. No one says it like Jan. And no, you can’t have her. She’s MY personal poet.
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dearest Anne, I’m laughing out loud – yes, I am your personal poet , a great honour! xoxooxox
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Jan, this is a gorgeous poem. I can say no more. Love, Debra
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Enough said my dear friend, thank you xoxoxo
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Dear Jan,
May my movements become supple as air… thank you dear poet and alchemist. My heart dances as I read your words. Love you.
Candy
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dear dancing heart, thank you for your love xoxoxo
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Thank you for sharing your glad return to Spring, and the dancing!
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Glad to dance with you Jenny xoxoxo
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Unfurling , bestirring , unclenching, warming, becoming supple… oh yes. I feel my body softening as I read this, Jan. Just what I need on this chill, rainy night. My heart turning its hope towards the sun . Just lovely.
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Yes, on the days without sun, our hearts must find hope in poems Wendy. xoxoxox
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Dear Jan: What a delicious treat to read this poem of yours! I love your play with images and rhythm, bringing out colours from both outer and inner worlds. Thank you! More please! Love — Mary Lou
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So glad you enjoyed it Mary Lou and I appreciate your encouragement. xoxoxo
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Beautiful poem Janice. Thx for sharing Happy Spring.
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my thanks to you Patti xoxoxo
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Heart Poems just keeps getting better! Thanks for risking the share of your own work, which is juicy and inspiring. I’ll be sharing this one too on WordSPA…scheduling it now. 1,000 thank yous!
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1000 thank yous to you too Kim and thank you for sharing. xoxoxox
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THIS IS A GREAT POEM but as an editor I suggest some tightening. Offered in good faith.
Because it is spring the world unfolds itself to our wonder:
thawing, melting, juicy dripping
the earth is softening,
our bodies are softening,
opening green buds of new leaves.
Muscles tightly clenched
lengthen and unfurl
placing eager trust in the warming air
winter-pale faces turn like flowers
toward the sun’s comforting heat. (a better adjective than comforting)
Earth stretches and stirs wakens itself
as our blood and breath quicken,
our movements lithe and loose as we lighten
becoming season-supple as the air,
shedding the weary weight of winter
and heaviness of hibernation,
dancing in the [bright/light] gladness of spring.
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