Thirsting for Wisdom

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This resource relating to Proverbs 9:1-6 provides poems by Countee Cullen (1903-1946) and Alicia Ostriker highlighting the thirst for wisdom that comes with age.
Paid Resource: 
N
Lectionary: 
Revised Common Lectionary
Source: 
Englewood Review
Related to Children or Youth: 
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*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Proverbs 9:1-6 CLASSIC POEM: Wisdom Cometh With the Years Countee Cullen Now I am young and credulous, My heart is quick to bleed At courage in the tremulous Slow sprouting of a seed. Now I am young and sensitive, Man’s lack can stab me through; I own no stitch I would not give To him that asked me to. Now I am young and a fool for love, My blood goes mad to see A brown girl pass me like a dove That flies melodiously. Let me be lavish of my tears, And dream that false is true; Though wisdom cometh with the years, The barren days come, too. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Thirsting Alicia Ostriker SNIPPET: It’s not that the old are wise But that we thirst for the wisdom we had at twenty when we understood everything … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]
Author: 
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
Countee Cullen
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
Alicia Ostriker
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Key Scriptures: 
Proverbs 9:1-6
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RCL Lectionary Week: 
Year B Proper 15 (Ordinary Time 20)