Muse Day

  • Post published:07/01/2009
  • Post comments:8 Comments

 

A little Madness in the Spring

Is wholesome even for the King,

But God be with the Clown–

Who ponders this tremendous scene–

This whole Experiment in Green–

As if it were his own!

                                  Emily Dickinson

We had our moment of madness at Sunday’s Rose Viewing, and I am not fool – or clown – enough to believe the roses are all my own.

With the help of my friend and Dickinson scholar, Martha Ackmann, I chose this poem for July’s Muse Day. I like the idea of the madness that lives in the spring, and summer, garden.  Martha had been telling me about the great Fence and Hedge Restoration at the Emily Dickinson Homestead and I was  also thinking of ways to entertain and educate the grandsons when they come to visit so I am happy to tell you that there are wonderful things for the young and not quite so young going on this summer.  I’ll be telling you more about the Restoration soon.

I am going to take Tynan to the Creatures of Bliss and Mystery: A nineteenth-century children’s circus on Saturday, July 11(rain date July 12) from 1 to 4 pm. Tim Van Egmond, folksinger and storyteller will give two performances and there will be a circus parade – join in kids! –  at 2:30. Lots of activities including hat, flag and music making, ring toss, and strawberry shortcake.  All this is FREE and open to the public.

We have a Dickinson family here in Heath. Although related, they are quick to point out that they are not THAT particular branch of Dickinsons. Still I like thinking that here on our hill we have a tenuous connection with one of the great literary figures of our country. Enough of her world still exists to help my imagination picture what Emily’s life might have been like.

The Emily Dickinson Museum, comprised of Emily Dickinson’s home and The Evergreens, Dickinson’s brother Austin’s house next door, is located in the middle of Amherst, only about 35 miles from our house in Heath. It is open 10-5 Wednesday through Sunday, until the end of August. All tours are guided and include both buildings. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children between 6&17.

Once again I thank Carolyn gail for hosting Muse Day, and giving us all a chance to share favorite poems and other works of art.

This Post Has 8 Comments

  1. Frances

    Thanks Pat, that sounds so wonderful, I wish we lived close enough to take the grands to see something like that. Emily D. is a fave here as well. Hope is the thing with feathers….
    Frances

  2. carolyngail

    I love Emily Dickinson and especially your selection for Garden Bloggers’ Muse Day, Pat.

  3. admin

    Frances – The two buildings of the Dickinson Museum are fascinating, and the gardens are being worked on as well. I hope to have postings about that work.
    Carolyngail – Emily Dickinson is one of my favorite poets.
    Pat

  4. VP

    It’s great you have such a poetic heritage to hand, especially one of the greats like Emily Dickinson.

    You may not be a clown today, but I suspect they’ll be very much in evidence on Saturday 11th.

    I love your photo – it’s a cooling contrast to the heat we have here at the moment.

  5. commonweeder

    MMD – Thanks for the nudge to the ICS. I will definitley follow up.
    Pat

  6. donna

    I agree that there’s a certain amount of madness (and insanity) that takes place in the garden (and sometimes outside the garden) during the spring and summer. The nineteenth century circus sounds like a good time. Enjoy!

  7. admin

    VP – I wish we could even out some of this weather. I’d be glad to share the rain for some warming sun. The photo is of Leda rose buds – in the rain.
    Donna – I agree there is madness – in every season – one way or another.
    Pat

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