Good morning friend,
As we move through the heart of summer, I wanted to take a moment to share a story (and a poem) that continues to resonate across centuries and continents.
Meet Mihai Eminescu, who lived from 1850 to 1889. I’m reading one of his books at this time. Often celebrated as Romania’s national poet, Eminescu was more than a writer; he was a philosopher, journalist, and voice for cultural identity. His poetry blends romanticism with deep reflection, painting vivid images of nature, love, and longing.
One of his poems, “If I had” (De-aş avea), reflects on the delicate beauty of love:
If I had a pretty flower
Fresh and sweet and full of power
Like all those that bloom in May,
Charming daughters of the day,
Growing on a grassy field
Where the grass is moved by wind,
And where people hear above
Gentle whispers full of love;
If I had a little flower
Nice and younger than the hour,
Dressed like lilies at their best
And white like the snowy breast,
Sometimes with a shade of pink,
Sometimes purple like a drink,
Like a song one hears above
Soft like whispers full of love;
If I had a dove as white
As a girl’s face shining bright,
A meek girl, a lovely thing,
Like a sunny day of spring,
I would sing her all day long
The traditional folk song
And the notes will rise above
Soft like whispers full of love.
To me, the poem is a reminder that love, beauty and meaning can be found in the simple things: the wind moving through a field, the soft colour of a petal, and a quiet moment of song.
A Lesson:
In a fast-paced world, pausing to reflect on poetry can reconnect us with our purpose, and with each other. Poetry doesn’t need to be complicated; it need to be felt.
3 Actions You Can Take:
- Pick up a book of poetry from your local library or bookstore this week; perhaps start with Mihai Eminescu or another poet whose writing you’ve never read before.
- Write a few lines of your own, even if it’s just a sentence or two about what you see outside your window or how you feel today.
- Share a favourite poem with a friend, family member, or neighbour. Stories and stanzas are meant to be shared.
See you on Saturday, August 2nd at 11:00 a.m. for the Jane and Finch Historical Tour, where we’ll explore stories of community strength, resilience, and transformation.
All the best,
Alex Rășcanu
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