♥ Shakespeare for Moms
When life challenges, I tend to submerge myself into books. These books are like old friends and old places that are comfortable. I just finished Persuasion by Jane Austin. The Secret Garden is next on my list–yes, a children’s book. I read it first in 5th grade. Everytime I have ever moved, I pull it out and read it. Even at my advanced age!
The story, about being left out, then immersed, kicking and screaming, into a new life where friends of the heart are found and finding home where you are loved, accepted, and invited. Planting people roots takes a lot of work. So much unfamiliarity! Old books are like the home of an old friend where you can sit and forget the challenges for an hour or so.
The following poem, by, now don’t click away–William Shakespeare is one of those pieces of literature that grounds me, reminds me about my most important task. Except, it is more like a one sided conversation with someone who inspires me to think about motherhood. Shakespeare? Motherhood? It reminds me that in the midst of change, in the swirl of finding my place in this new community, that I cannot neglect my children in a quest to find that coffee shop, to unpack that box, to lose myself in that book that feels like home. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It is my very favorite!
Sonnet 143
Lo, as a careful housewife runs to catch
One of her feather’d creatures broke away,
Sets down her babe, and makes all swift dispatch
In pursuit of the thing she would have stay;
Whilst her neglected child holds her in chase,
Cries to catch her whose busy care is bent
To follow that which flies before her face,
Not prizing her poor infant’s discontent;
So runn’st thou after that which flies from thee,
Whilst I thy babe chase thee afar behind;
But if thou catch thy hope, turn back to me,
And play the mother’s part, kiss me, be kind;
So will I pray that thou mayst have thy ‘Will,’
If thou turn back and my loud crying still.
But if thou catch thy hope, turn back to me,
And play the mother’s part…
Wow, I never saw this sonnet before, not that I’ve read all of Shakespeare’s works, but it IS a timely one for you. How it must have thrilled your heart to read it one more time.
Hope you are enjoying your time of settling down, dear friend. An hour or two to look for that coffee shop, or that antique store, a little corner in a nearby park where you may quietly read a book… sitting by a lake to watch the ducks…whatever new thing you can find. All these will revitalize your mother heart, help you “catch your hope”!
Love
Lidj
I am inspired to get my Shakespeare Sonnets out and read through some of them again. I’ve been reading The Merchant of Venice because my 14 year old is studying it at school, but I haven’t read any Sonnets for a long time.
“Planting people roots takes a lot of work.”
Let God do the work. Rest in knowing His work will accomplish so much more than yours. 🙂
Familiarity will be found!
I agree, I couldn’t live without books. I’ve also really liked Shakespeare, but haven’t read it since college. The sonnet was a nice refresher.
Thanks for stopping by Two Toddlers. I look forward to reading more of your blog in the future.
Thanks for stopping by my site. Love this post and how heartfelt it was. That sonnet was moving and obviously still has relevance for today. Keep writing.
Sounds like you had the right idea on your birthday! THanks for visiting my blog! Yours is really sweet!