In brief
This article reflects on the personal journey of memorizing poems, the inherent joy in the process, and the value of verses in promoting mindfulness and emotional well-being.
Throughout her life, Melissa Kirsch has cherished the art of memorizing poetry, beginning with A.A. Milne’s “Pinkle Purr” at the age of seven. The poem, with its rhythmic AA/BB/AA rhyme scheme, narrates the charming transformation of a kitten, Pinkle Purr, and his mother, Tattoo. Unbeknownst to her, repeated readings allowed the poem to embed itself within her consciousness, which she likens to knowing her favorite TV theme songs. Kirsch found comfort in the verses, providing her with an internal rhythm that soothed and centered her.Her early and enjoyable experiences with memorization made her appreciate poetry beyond the constraints often imposed by educational environments. Even during her graduate studies, she gravitated toward poems such as Galway Kinnell’s “Little Sleep’s-Head Sprouting Hair in the Moonlight,” which casually resurfaces in her thoughts, bringing with it a touch of beauty amid everyday life.Recently, The Times Book Review launched a challenge encouraging readers to memorize Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Recuerdo,” enhanced by engaging games and video recitations. Kirsch, an enthusiastic candidate for such endeavors, believes even traditionalists who see memorizing poetry as tedious might find joy in this structured approach. She highlights the allure of poetry as a “flower in the windowbox of your mind,” offering an oasis amid the barrage of modern distractions.One of her most treasured poems is Gerard Manley Hopkins’ “Spelt From Sibyl’s Leaves,” memorized 20 years ago, which she regularly revisits to maintain fluency. The poem’s rich language and expansive imagery captivate her, creating an ecstasy when recited. Hopkins emphasized the significance of performing poetry audibly rather than reading silently, a technique that Kirsch adopts in various everyday scenarios — whether showering, commuting, or managing insomnia.For her, memorized poems serve as invaluable resources, providing solace and beauty, transforming moments of anxiety or agitation into a creative and reflective outlet. By calling forth these lines from memory, she fuels a personal connection to the verse, elevating her experience of life with artful expression and mindful engagement.
