Another Christmas Carol
No, not that one. The poem.
Hello, Poetry Friend
Memorizing poetry is one of my passions — one I never expected to love. Each month I learn a poem by heart. This poem by G.K. Chesterton is a simple, perfect encapsulation of the Christmas story.
The first time I read it all the way to the end, I gasped aloud.
A Christmas Carol The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap, His hair was like a light. (O weary, weary were the world, But here is all aright.) The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast, His hair was like a star. (O stern and cunning are the kings, But here the true hearts are.) The Christ-child lay on Mary’s heart, His hair was like a fire. (O weary, weary is the world, But here the world’s desire.) The Christ-child stood at Mary’s knee, His hair was like a crown. And all the flowers looked up at Him, And all the stars looked down. – G.K. Chesterton
My process for memorizing a poem like this one is easy — although not quick — and you can do it too. Ready?
1) Brew a large cup of tea.
2) Set a timer for 5 minutes.
3) Read the poem. Think about the poem. Stare at whatever catches your eye, perhaps the pink roses that have managed to stay in bloom this close to Christmas. Imagine them into the poem’s penultimate line as you read it aloud.
4) Do this every day-ish for a month. (I always skip Saturdays, I often don’t skip Sundays.)
5) You’ll have this poem with you forever. Maybe not whole, but important chunks that will rise to meet you when you need them.
Poetry Journal
Read Chesterton’s Christmas poem.
Try the five steps above between now and New Year’s. See how much of it you can learn.
To better find the poem’s rhythms, record yourself reading it aloud, then listen again as often as you like.
Tell me your favorite Christmas tea.
Take care, Megan