Poem: I Have Found Such Joy
by Jenners • 01/17/2012 • Poetry • 24 Comments
A few years ago, I used to participate in a meme called FreeVerse, which was about sharing poetry that we enjoyed or were moved by. I kind of miss writing those posts so I thought I’d start posting occasional poems when the spirit moves me.
Today, I wanted to share a poem by Grace Noll Crowell called I Have Found Such Joy. When I read this poem, it just spoke to me. It has all the qualities that appeal to me in poetry: plain language, truth and simple rhymes. In many ways, I think I’m stuck in childhood when it comes to my appreciation of poetry. I get lost in fancier longer poems, and I don’t like having to figure out what a poet is trying to say.
This particular poem struck me because it captured the feeling I get sometimes—particularly when the house is clean and quiet and I’m about to get a moment to sit down and relax. When this feeling comes, I feel such a sense of contentment and peace. It reminded me that the small quiet moments of life are the ones that often give us the most joy and satisfaction. I hope this poem speaks to you like it did to me … and we find and savor these kinds of simple joys in our lives.
I HAVE FOUND SUCH JOY
I have found such joy in simple things; A plain, clean room, a nut-brown loaf of bread, A cup of milk, a kettle as it sings, The shelter of a roof above my head, And in leaf-laced square along the floor, Where yellow sunlight glimmers through a door.
I have found such joy in things that fill My quiet days: a curtain's blowing grace, A potted plant upon my window sill, A rose, fresh-cut and placed within a vase; A table cleared, a lamp beside a chair, And books I long have loved beside me there.
Oh, I have found such joys I wish I might Tell every woman who goes seeking far For some elusive, feverish delight, That very close to home the great joys are: The elemental things—-old as the race, Yet never, through the ages, commonplace.
GRACE NOLL CROWELL
This photo seemed to capture the feel of the poem perfectly
My most favorite poem ever!!!! I say like a mantra every night and usually end up falling asleep saying it. LOL
Beautiful poem and image to go with it. I love the quiet things and can appreciate it when the house is quiet and I feel content and at peace! I know what you mean!
Loved it! Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing
I love that poem, and the chair by the window overlooking the ocean, is SO ME!!! The tranquility….so awesome.
Being able to find joy in the simple things really makes life so much easier.
I can totally relate – life is made up of these unnoticed moments of joy.
I loved this poem too, and can relate to being content with all these little things. It’s funny, because my husband and I just had a conversation about how it’s not hard to be totally happy and content with such meager trappings. I am at a point in my life where, aside from the occasional upset, I am just utterly content. It’s a nice feeling.
I like non-fancy poetry as well. This suits me and helps me explain to people….that while I love traveling….I am a homebody at my core!
I like the image of the leaf-laced square.
I like this one too. I think it’s really interesting that she calls out “woman” as the one searching for happiness. Is it that women are more likely to miss the simpler joys in life, thinking things must be more complicated than they really must? Or do you think she’s just using it in the generic way instead of “man”? Either way, it makes you think. Luckily, I’m one that’s always in favor of the simpler things in life.
Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. It was a perfect way to end the day.
This is a beautiful poem. I also like the simpler poems that I can understand and appreciate. It sure makes us realize how much good we can find in the simple things in our lives.
Thanks for sharing such a nice poem about the joy in the simple things in life. It’s nice to stop and notice the little things like that. I like the photo too.
Loved this. Thanks so much for sharing
I also miss FreeVerse and often wonder what became of Cora.
Anyway, loving your verse, I also struggle with poems that I have to work at deciphering. Mind you I’ve always said that poetry is better if it is read to you rather than by you.
That is a lovely poem. I think the photo compliments is very well.
Glad your were moved to share that! I really enjoyed it and its simplicity!
Whoever said that the best things in life are free was right.
I also get that same feeling when the kids and grandkids all gather at our house (though there is precious little quiet then).
Great poem. The picture that came to my mind was a pair of wingback chairs in front of a roaring fireplace – and a wall of books off to the side.
It’s not always easy for me to see the little joyful things in life. This poem has inspired me to look harder.
Simple joys! Lovely poem. I think that we appreciate the quiet moments more as time passes.
I really like this poem! (dare I say I found joy in it?)
I miss FreeVerse, too. It was always fun finding something to post for it each week and reading what others contributed as well.
Imagine, finding a poem that suits you AND me. A nice reminder of all things simple for sure. Perfect for this Tuesday which feels like a Monday.
that was very lovely.
Lovely
thanks for sharing
martine