Thursday, August 13, 2020

Clouds, Goethe and Science

 Hello Friends,

It's Poetry Friday. Thanks to Molly for hosting this week's poetry at Nix the Comfort Zone. I hope everyone gets a chance to visit her blog and see the beautiful poetry and photography she shares there. It's beautiful.

Sometimes, I come across an article that makes me say, WOW--like the one below.


Popova, Maria. “How the Clouds Got Their Names and How Goethe Popularized Them with His Science-Inspired Poems.” Brain Pickings, Amazon Services LLC, 19 Feb. 2017, www.brainpickings.org/2015/07/07/the-invention-of-clouds-luke-howard-hamblyn/.

This article was a lovely playdate with poetry and science. I've never been a Goethe fan. But, I am a fan of his delight in meeting the namer of clouds. The language was so delicious. Lots and lots of lines for found haiku. Pick one to enjoy. I couldn't stop writing them.


we pause in wonder
since the dawn of our species
the magic of clouds



love letter to clouds
the eternal dialog
in science and art


his school boy latin
broken on a rock of cloud
to write poetry


the study of forms
quality of prayerfullness
humble young Quaker


so effusive was
the poet -- was happy to
join other circles


celestial clouds
inherent poetical of 
wholeness of nature


Words found and re-arranged by Linda Mitchell from: 

Popova, Maria. “How the Clouds Got Their Names and How Goethe Popularized Them with His Science-Inspired Poems.” Brain Pickings, Amazon Services LLC, 19 Feb. 2017, www.brainpickings.org/2015/07/07/the-invention-of-clouds-luke-howard-hamblyn/.



16 comments:

  1. I love this: "his school boy latin
    broken on a rock of cloud
    to write poetry"
    Broken on a rock of cloud!
    xo

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  2. This poem made me appreciative of the love of nature and what beauty the Lord has bestowed on us:
    celestial clouds
    inherent poetical of
    wholeness of nature
    Thanks for sharing your found words created into new poems, Linda.

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  3. Haiku moments are just so beautiful. I keep coming back to haiku. Aside from the above, I also favour your first. Such lovely work, Linda.

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  4. I have that Maria Popova article in my Inbox and haven't found time to read it yet--you've nudged me to do so sooner. Such luscious words. I already commented on how much I love that third haiku, but the first one is a favorite as well. I just love how you found haiku in your reading.

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  5. I love how you "pause to wonder" at words in a scientific article. Your ability to meld science with poetry is admirable and inspiring.

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  6. Love letter to clouds/the eternal dialog/in science and art. Lovely post about something we depend on in so many ways. We've had amazing clouds here in upstate NY all summer, or maybe I'm just paying more attention. So much to appreciate in them.

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  7. I love Brain Pickings for all the different things it brings to us to ponder, Linda. It seems that clouds are on a lot of minds this week. Perhaps because they're going outside more? I especially love your "love letter to clouds". Thanks for sharing!

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  8. You mined some gems, Linda. I love the first one especially. I hadn't thought of a found haiku - I'm intrigued by the form. Thank you! :)

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  9. Loved the idea of a playdate with poetry Linda. You have played so well with words is this space you created. I particularly enjoyed the focus on clouds. Those words sang to me. I shall take your lead here and go in search of found haiku- and I have just the mentor author to assist me.

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  10. This one is my favorite:

    his school boy latin
    broken on a rock of cloud
    to write poetry

    I am a member of the Cloud Appreciation Society (member #48971)! So. Much. Fun. It keeps me looking up in wonder and awe. (Plus, I love earning badges on the app!!)

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  11. Brian Pickings is such an inspiration to me. I love how you crafted Maria's words into these haiku. As I read them, I was recombining my favorites from the lines you chose:

    we pause in wonder
    the study of forms
    wholeness of nature

    And when you have a spare minute (ha!)The Invention of Clouds is a fascinating read!

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  12. Wow! The one that begins "his school boy latin" -- wowee wow wow.

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  13. You've really scooped me up and delivered me into the body of these lovely clouds in your haiku's! I never have enough time to get to all of Maria Popova's posts thanks for sharing this one, and your poems!

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Friendly, positive comments and feedback are always welcome here. Please let me know I'm not just whistling in the dark!