A Prayer in Spring
Oh give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the spring of the year.
— Robert Frost
Under massive oaks and maples: dappled sunlight and hundreds of Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Oh give us pleasure in the flowers today. I had come to the woods feeling heavy-hearted, weary, needing spring. And give us not to think so far away as the uncertain harvest. How well Frost understood his time and ours. Drawing kept me in the moment; later it brought me pleasure again when finishing this page at home. Keep us here—all simply in the spring of the year.
Wishing you the pleasure of flowers.
Drawn In 
Beautiful painting, beautiful words. Thank you for your inspiration and wishes.
Thank you!
Thank you! Much needed at this time. I am SO thankful for the garden I finally have !!! Blessings to you!!!
Just the reminder I needed! Sweet.
Just what I needed to see today. Nature is a teacher and a refuge.
Love the emotion you conveyed. Beautiful poem and rendering!
Thank you Leada!
Beautiful, Jean. ❤️
Thank you DD! Hope to see you soon.
Thank you for the beautiful post, the drawing and the poem. Especially now, nature, art, music and literature are helping us heal our spirits. They all help us remain in the moment. Thank you for the beauty you bring to us.
Vicky- Yes, I find art and nature to be quite essential- now as always.
Beautiful! Thanks for the poem.
Awesome post! Not only is you artistry exquisite but you never fail to inspire, enlighten and enrich the lives of those who follow you. I know it involves a considerable investment of time. Please trust it is so appreciated.
Thank you so much. It feels very satisfying when a post connects with readers. So good to know. Best, Jean
Such beautiful prose. And very timely. Today it actually hit the 70’s. Everything went into bud. Spring eternal! Your ‘jacks’ are the slash of green much appreciated. Thank you.
Thanks Erica- It felt good to paint GREEN again.
Aren’t they just so delightful. I look for them every year and then suddenly they appear. As you probably know, the clump of red berries show up in early September and can be seen from a distance unlike how the plant “hides” in the spring. Beautiful painting and inspiring words. Thanks.
Hi Dawn- The nature preserve where I found them is not far from me, but I only discovered it recently. I look forward to returning in all seasons and expect there will be a lot of red berries come September.
Exquisite……no need for more words.
Thank you Berrnadette
And wishing you endless moments like those, when nature – a flower or something else – brings you back, and then you share the journey with us. thank you very much. 🙂
Well said.
What a beautiful page Jean! Jack in the Pulpit has honored us for the past few years by occupying a patch behind the house. We are delighted!
Wonderful. I have one very small clump that I am nurturing. Solomon seal is much more prevalent at our house and they are lovely, too. Enjoy spring!
Another sublime drawing and another beautiful poem. I’m in awe of your ability to seemingly fill sketchbooks upon sketchbooks. My sketchbook habit it seriously lacking. Thank you for sharing them both.
Hi Tahirih- Thanks for your note. I had a number of years of irregular sketching– raising children, work, and the stuff of life just got in the way. I’ve been consistent since about 2013 and this blog helps. I do like working in a sketchbook — I find it very freeing since I’m not trying to “make a painting” or a masterpiece. If something doesn’t work out, it’s just a page and I can turn it and start again.
Well, I love your pages! I think I’m too dear with my sketchbooks, afraid to ruin a page, and then if I’m not “painting a serious painting “, I feel like I’m wasting time. Issues!! Lol! I really need to learn to let go😊
Yep. Those fears will get you every time. Pick up that pencil!
Beautiful and wonderful words and art !
Lovely post. A cool vibe.
Thanks Sharon.