Saint Hildegard's Feast Day

Saint Hildegard wrote some wonderful poetry back in the 12th century. She wasn't a saint then, but the songs she composed for her monastic community show her love of language and her skill at using it.

O branch of freshest green,
O hail! Within the windy gusts of saints
upon a quest you swayed and sprouted forth.

2. When it was time, you blossomed in your boughs—
“Hail, hail!” you heard, for in you seeped the sunlight’s warmth
like balsam’s sweet perfume.

3. For in you bloomed
so beautiful a flow’r, whose fragrance wakened
all the spices from their dried-out stupor.

4. They all appeared in full viridity.


-from  ‘Song to the Virgin,’ “Symphonia,” Nathaniel M. Campbell, translator

You can read the entire song here and listen to a choral group singing a beautiful rendition of the entire song here.

This icon painted on wood was discovered in a tiny church  by a friend traveling in Tallinn, Estonia. Isn't it gorgeous? Then again, I have a thing for Hildegard!

I'll be sharing more of her words at a virtual party to celebrate Saint Hildegard's Feast Day on September 17. This is  new for me! I've participated in an virtual book launch party, but never hosted an online event before. Wish me luck!f you have the time, please check it out. Here's the Facebook invitation.

Please venture over to today's Roundup at Poetry for Children, where Sylvia and Janet share a poem for school read alouds and their excitement about the upcoming IBBY Regional Conference. See you there!