Sadly, this lovely book is now out of print. I really wish Penguin would bring it back. This copy I ordered has a bit of water damage--but I am going to send it out as a bookcrossing gift anyway. A further quest would probably frustrate me. These are not children's poems, though they are great for reading aloud to children, many of whom appreciate them early. I thought this would be a good choice for a family with a new baby. These poetic prayers offer much spiritually in few words. They seem a great choice for the sleep-deprived. As I am sending some of my St. Patrick's reading to my new friends, I will quote "The Peacock" as the peacock is the beloved bird of Georgia writer Flannery O'Connor, an Irish Southerner. O'Connor was concerned with sin, with its cartoonish presence in the everyday life of the 20th Century. The peacock with its absurd voice and amazing beauty appealed to her. She saw it as a glorified chicken, which it technically is. Not very smart, the peacock became a symbol of immortality in Renaissance painting due to its resplendent beauty. I like it that Bernos de Gasztold, makes of the peacock's plea an appeal for the unity of body and soul. I am sure Miss Mary Flannery would have approved. Our Christian faith promises the reconciling immortality of the resurrection to us flawed human birds.

From THE CREATURE'S CHOIR

"The Peacock"

A royal train,
Lord,
more scintillating
than jeweled enamel.
Look,
now I spread it in a wheel.
I must say I derive
some satisfaction
from my good looks.
My feathers
are sown with eyes
admiring themselves.
True,
my discordant cry
shames me a little--
and it is humiliating
to make me remember
my meagre heart.
Your world is badly made,
if I may say so:
The nightingale's voice
in me
would be properly attired--
and soothe my soul.
Lord,
let a day come,
a heavenly day,
when my inner and outer selves
will be reconciled
in perfect harmony.

Amen.

With Easter Blessings to a dear, young family in transition.

This looks like a very childlike and beautiful little poetry collection. I look forward to reading and sharing it. Thank you!

Lent to a friend. I have yet to read it.

I finally got this back again & have been reading a poem here & there. Very enjoyable.

Passed on to a friend.