The Gift to Sing

Descriptor: 
This resource relating to Psalm 81 provides a poem by James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) highlighting the power of song to offer hope and a poem by Lucille Clifton (1936-2010) highlighting resilience in the face of hardship.
Paid Resource: 
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Lectionary: 
Revised Common Lectionary
Source: 
Englewood Review
Related to Children or Youth: 
N
Audio/Video: 
N
Full Text: 
*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Psalm 81:1, 10-16 CLASSIC POEM: The Gift to Sing James Weldon Johnson Sometimes the mist overhangs my path, And blackening clouds about me cling; But, oh, I have a magic way To turn the gloom to cheerful day— I softly sing. And if the way grows darker still, Shadowed by Sorrow’s somber wing, With glad defiance in my throat, I pierce the darkness with a note, And sing, and sing. I brood not over the broken past, Nor dread whatever time may bring; No nights are dark, no days are long, While in my heart there swells a song, And I can sing. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: song at midnight Lucille Clifton SNIPPET: this big woman carries much sweetness … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]
Author: 
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
James Weldon Johnson
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
Lucille Clifton
Content Type: 
Key Scriptures: 
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
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RCL Lectionary Week: 
Year C Proper 17 (Ordinary Time 22)
Date: 
Monday, August 22, 2022