This is my fifth year taking the SOL Challenge. In the past, I wrote poems about birds for 31 days, then flowers for 31 days, and then last year I wrote about food. This year, I have been inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s Book of Hours. I have read this book twice and noted lines and phrases that stood out to me. My plan for March is to write a poem each day based on Rilke’s poetry.
Thanks for reading, Slicers! I appreciate the kind words and recommendations!
March 21
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Seashell
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March 1
41 responses to “SOL: March 2026 – Book of Hours”
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My heart is full for all things Rainer Maria Rilke. I first discovered his Letters to a Young Poet back in 2005 and understand exactly what you mean when you say you have reread it and find things that speak to you – – the way you hang on those lines. I will be reading your posts each day, looking forward to the inspiration he brings to you and the inspiration you in turn bring to others. What a great way to celebrate March. The spring poem is just a shawl of needed hope in the cold we’ve had!
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I am not familiar with the work of Rainer Maria Rilke, but I am putting it on my list to explore. Your poem is beautiful and as me longing for spring. I especially love “birds call out and I respond.” It takes me back to my music teacher days and teaching the call and response form. Those bird calls bring hope.
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Beautiful. Pensive. The seasons of the year and the season of life. Yesterday, my 15-year-old ended an essay on memories with, “will be with me well into my winter.” years.” I suggested that his grandpa and I were in our “winter years.” He, along with his brother and sister, was quick to tell me, “Not your winter years, your autumn years.” To which I replied that I think anyone in their late 70s must be in winter. His brother said, “You’re definitely fall, it has more color.” And his sister, “Yeah, fall’s not so cold.” Now, I’m pondering their insights.
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Oh my goodness, how your verse resonates with me so fully today. This, especially:
We see the brightness of a new page where everything yet can happen. Faith is in the extended hand, sun rising through the morning trees.
I will read this and read this. I submitted retirement papers today at 3:51 pm to be effective in August, and I have told everyone around me that this is a leap of faith – – one I feel strongly, and your verse says it all. Thank you for these hopeful words.
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Happy soon-to-be-retirement. I recently signed my contract for another year at my school. I want to get to 50 years of teaching – that means two more years, not including this one. I will need a lot of faith also! You will be my guide to retirement! No pressure, Kim, I know you are a knowledgeable leader!
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Today’s poem really struck me – – I’m reading this morning, and there are days I know the minute I open the office door arriving three or four minutes ahead of schedule every day, there will be one particular voice on the phone, passionately and loudly already giving directions to someone on the other end. And I want to ease into the day but this line from your poem is like that one voice: Some, still rush about, – – -yes, they do. All too early, and all too late. And I want to hand them a book and say, “Read.”
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Day 14
I think this is my favorite so far. I especially love this line: She weaves them into a cloth of gratitude. Each tangle and knot in our lives can turn into something that glorifies Him, especially when we look at it through the lens of gratitude. I believe this one will be going in my notebook for me to write next to it. Beautifully written!
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Wow! Your poems are exceptional. I didn’t have time to read all of them, but I will definitely return to your site. I loved the whole first stanza of today’s poem. You have a gift…keep using it and please think about publishing a poetry book of your own. I’m going to hunt down Rilke’s book. Thanks so much for sharing.
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Day 20 – Joanne, your poem about your father is intense. So much to think about, and that you overcame so much to become the person you are speaks volumes about you and your father. Peace on this anniversary, Joanne. Day 21 – The Rilke line of “Time is a canvas” is a treasure. I love how you proceed through the stanzas, after wasting time, you consider using time with intention and mindfulness, treating it as sacred. Such perfect word choice as you consider the topic.
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