Beauty is everywhere, always with us and sweet as honey.
Beauty is in all that we see in the glories of nature, in the faces of children,
in the wisdom of the aged, and in the promise of the young.
Beauty is in the wonders we smell, in the flowers and in the fresh-mown meadows,
in the memory of our mothers’ cooking, and the unequaled smell of the sea.
Beauty is the blessed sense of hearing in the early morning birdsong,
in the Sunday morning church bells, in the lullaby sung to a beloved baby,
and in the laughter of family and friends.
Beauty is in our sense of taste, of food lovingly prepared,
of winter stews, summer ice cream, and of snowflakes on our tongue.
To feel perhaps the greatest beauty of all, to feel the anticipation of a loved one to be here soon.
The quiet happiness of dear ones with you,
The joy of a bright, new day,
The ecstasy of a Divine inspiration granted to you.
By Hope Bradley Finley
Editor’s Note: Hope Bradley Finley passed away on January 13 at age 95. The Mattapoisett resident was thrilled to have The Wanderer publish her poems and essays, something we will continue to do this winter.