“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words — And never stops at all.” — Emily Dickinson
Notes of hope
A blackbird’s throaty warble
rises above the voices
on the street, making conversation
because we’re all hungry
for company, for solace,
even at two metres apart.
But I’m listening more
to the notes of hope and joy,
bringing a reminder
that this too shall pass,
time will move on as it
always does, and we will return
to a new normality at last.
My solitary blackbird
friend has no soul companions
but it doesn’t deter him
from belting out his song,
from shrugging off the sadness
because he’s on his own.
He is staying put—for now,
to bring cheer to our hearts,
hope for the housebound
and isolated, while he sings
of spring, of life and birth, burgeoning
earth, of newness, of growth and hope
continuing beyond this moment.
© joylenton
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” — Corrie Ten Boom
Poetry Joy 
Good afternoon, Joy. I took an unannounced (not even to myself) break from blogging this past week. I began leading a class and needed to find a rhythm with Him for that preparation. Today, I return to write. What a blessing to see your face and read your words of hope. Birdsong is such a gift from heaven. Like you, I observe the birds. There is much we can apply to our own lives, as you share here. Have a beauty-full day, sister, no matter the weather. Love, Julie
Good night, Julie. Sorry to sound dismissive. It’s just that I’m replying to you at bedtime. How’s your class going? What are you teaching? It’s good to see you back to writing again. I’m glad these notes of hope are a blessing to you. Yes, birdsong is such a gift, isn’t it? Hearing it really helps lift my spirits. May the rest of your day be beauty-full and full of hope, dear sister. Blessings and love to you, my friend. xo 💜
Praying now Joy that God blesses you with restorative rest. I did not take you as dismissive. The class is called Deepening Our Love for Him. Preparing for Class #3. God is faithful in giving me both inspiration and Scripture. Thank you for the blessing of beauty and hope. Yes, resting in Him tonight. Didn’t sleep well last night. Love in Christ, Julie
Dear Julie, I so appreciate your prayers, thank you! Last night was actually quite wakeful as my pain has increased and it frequently disrupts my sleep. I love the sound of your topic. What a wonderful thing to study! May fresh inspiration and spiritual guidance come as you prepare for Class #3. I’ll be praying for better sleep for you too. Love and hugs. xo 💜
Oh Joy sorry to hear of the increased pain. Sending hugs and love across the pond. I shall be in prayer tomorrow morning with Him to lift you to heaven.
Oh thank you, Julie! It’s not helped by having to eke out one of my painkillers because the company that delivers them to me made a mistake in the order and I had to reorder again. I’m hoping they’ll arrive by Tuesday. Bless you, dear sister.
Oh thank you for giving me specific prayer petition!
Dear Joy,
This stanza brought such sweet grace to my heart today:
“He is staying put—for now,
to bring cheer to our hearts,
hope for the housebound
and isolated, while he sings”
What a gift that God created in these birds. Our Lord saw ahead to these times when we would have no way to get out as we used to do. He planned for these lovely singers to visit our windows and sing a tune that might have gone overlooked in our past days. And yet, it comes at just the right season now. Oh thank you for capturing such hopeful words and thoughts for us. May that hope and help from Heaven shower over you today too. Blessings, love, and hugs to you my dear friend.
Dear Bettie, I had an inkling that stanza might grab your heart when you read it. I’m grateful for those words and so thankful for the birds that visit you and me. When you can’t get out of the house it’s wonderful when small signs of creation’s beauty and the cheerfulness of birdsong are within reach. Our family dropped off a few lavender plants in our front garden yesterday and I look forward to the time when they have grown larger and more fragrant. Blessings, love and hugs to you too, my lovely friend. xo 😊💜
There is a park I visit where different birds all are singing their own song. As I listen I find my soul refreshed. Thanks for your reminder to listen.
That sounds delightful, Shirley. What a treat! A feast for the ears and a balm for the soul as you unwind and exercise your body. Keep on listening, my friend! 😊🐦💜