19 - little birds - E. E. Cummings

the secrets of living

Someone I was once very close to gifted me this book of E. E. Cummings’ poetry. This is his favorite poem from the book. It is a good one.

—

19
by E. E. Cummings in Complete Poems 1904 - 1962

may my heart always be open to little
birds who are the secrets of living
whatever they sing is better than to know
and if men should not hear them men are old

may my mind stroll about hungry
and fearless and thirsty and supple
and even if it’s sunday may i be wrong
for whenever men are right they are not young

and may myself do nothing usefully
and love yourself so more than truly
there’s never been quite such a fool who could fail
pulling all the sky over him with one smile

—

I’d love to hear from you. I want to know what you think. Did you like this poem? Did any part of it resonate with you? Let me know.