Peacock and Other Poems - Valerie Worth

Poetry
Farrar, Strauss & Giroux, 2002
40 pgs.
For: Kids

I'm so glad that although Valerie Worth died in 1994 her poems are still being published. Known most by her collection of "short poems", this slim volume includes yet more. What she is able to say and show in these short poems is a real joy. I wish I could write like this!

(Natalie Babbitt, writer of Tuck Everlasting, was the illustrator - the gentle black and white pencilly sketches that she adds are just perfect.)

Clouds

Never believe
That clouds
Are mere
Airy vapor:

They are
High terraces
Of marble
And alabaster,

Pillars of
Quartz, alleys
Of pearl
And silver,

To those
Who weigh
Nothing and
Walk there.

Hummingbird

In a whir
Of wings he
Floats at the
Flower's door,

Wearing his white
Silk vest,
His glistening
Ruby collar:

And who could
Refuse a sip
Of nectar to
Such a caller?