The Things That Matter

The Things That MatterE. (Edith) NesbitNow that I’ve nearly done my days,And grown too stiff to sweep or sew,I sit and think, till I’m amaze,About what lots of things I know:Things as I’ve found out one by one—And when I’m fast down in the clay,My knowing things and how they’re doneWill all be lost and thrown away.There’s things, I know, as won’t be lost,Things as folks write and talk about:The way to keep your roots from frost,And how to get your ink spots out.What medicine’s good for sores and sprains,What way to salt your butter down,What charms will cure your different pains,And what will bright your faded gown.But more important things than these,They can’t be written in a book:How fast to boil your greens and peas,And how good bacon ought to look;The feel of real good wearing stuff,The kind of apple as will keep,The look of bread that’s rose enough,And how to get a child asleep.Whether the jam is fit to pot,Whether the milk is going to turn,Whether a hen will lay or not,Is things as some folks never learn.I know the weather by the sky,I know what herbs grow in what lane;And if sick men are going to die,Or if they’ll get about again.Young wives come in, a-smiling, grave,With secrets that they itch to tell:I know what sort of times they’ll have,And if they’ll have a boy or gell.And if a lad is ill to bind,Or some young maid is hard to lead,I know when you should speak ’em kind,And when it’s scolding as they need.I used to know where birds ud set,And likely spots for trout or hare,And God may want me to forgetThe way to set a line or snare;But not the way to truss a chick,To fry a fish, or baste a roast,Nor how to tell, when folks are sick,What kind of herb will ease them most!Forgetting seems such silly waste!I know so many little things,And now the Angels will make hasteTo dust it all away with wings!O God, you made me like to know,You kept the things straight in my head,Please God, if you can make it so,Let me know something when I’m dead.Edith Nesbit (August 15 1858 - May 4, 1924) was a British children's author whose works were published under the asexual name of E. Nesbit.Edith Nesbit was born in London. She grew up in France, Germany, and Kent, and wrote over 60 books of fiction for children, including Five Children and It, The Wouldbegoods, and The Railway Children.She and her first husband Hubert Bland were among the founders of the Fabian Society in 1884, and lived for many years in Eltham in south-east London.She died in 1924 in New Romney, Kent, England.I love this poem!And you?What things matter for you?

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Comments

Anne May 18, 2009 11:44

Hi there,
Yes I agree with you.I just love this poem, and it invites us to reflect about what life is all about.We climb and climb and then ,when we get to the top of the ladder we must go and leave it all behind.But believe me, it's worth climbing anyway!
Have a nice day !
Anne
Nafis April 12, 2009 22:24

Dear Anne,

My star sign is Leo..
Happy Easter to you too. I hope you enjoy it a lottttt....

All the best,
Nafis
Anne April 12, 2009 9:11

Dear Nafis,
I appreciate what matters most to you.
What star sign are you?You are very sensitive.
Happy Easter!
Thanks,
Anne
Nafis April 12, 2009 5:40

Dear Anne,

Thanks for this nice poem. I love children's poem. They are very touching and meaningful and very soft like children.

What most matters for me is not to harm people's feelings or emotions. Not to break someone's heart or take someone's right. I think I can never ever make up for these kinds of things.

All the best,
Nafis

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