Actually it takes a village to do a lot of things these days. This week the exciting things that have come into play involve our everyday viewing place, perhaps the place we take for granted. Next time you look out a window here's a little something to think about:

Courage

by Robert William Service

 Today I opened wide my eyes,
And stared with wonder and surprise,
To see beneath November skies
An apple blossom peer;
Upon a branch as bleak as night
It gleamed exultant on my sight,
A fairy beacon burning bright
Of hope and cheer.


"Alas!" said I, "poor foolish thing,
Have you mistaken this for Spring?
Behold, the thrush has taken wing,
And Winter's near.
"
Serene it seemed to lift its head:
"The Winter's wrath I do not dread,
Because I am," it proudly said,
"A Pioneer.


"Some apple blossom must be first,
With beauty's urgency to burst
Into a world for joy athirst,
And so I dare;
And I shall see what none shall see -
December skies gloom over me,
And mock them with my April glee,
And fearless fare.


"And I shall hear what none shall hear -
The hardy robin piping clear,
The Storm King gallop dark and drear
Across the sky;
And I shall know what none shall know -
The silent kisses of the snow,
The Christmas candles' silver glow,
Before I die.


"Then from your frost-gemmed window pane
One morning you will look in vain,
My smile of delicate disdain
No more to see;
But though I pass before my time,
And perish in the grale and grime,
Maybe you'll have a little rhyme
To spare for me.
"

Poem by Robert William Service

I like this poem for many reasons, but mostly for the things I've learnt through the process of bringing Project 851 into reality. To be a risk taker rather than a developer takes a toll on one's energy in this town, and possibly globally now, so to take moments of joy are more important than ever. Another reason to appreciate poetry is to reflect on the history of the people, not only who lived in 851, but in this community. There have been many that have had the courage to look out their windows and see what is the right thing to do. These are a few of my favourite things.

Windows going in!!