You may be wondering about this title. It is the opening line from one of my favorite medieval English poems from the 13th century. Many of you already know that I am a bit strange, but perhaps you didn’t also know that in years past I was also a medieval scholar. One of my great joys in life was seeing an early manuscript of this poem in the British Museum. Looking at that old manuscript, written around 800 years ago, reminds us of our common human heritage and bond.
This little poem is about the annual renewal of life and hope. It seems to be an apt thought for this blog. For too long now. I have neglected my writings, so it is also time for me to experience a bit of a renewal. My Muse is once again calling me to devote more time to writing. It is far too easy to allow ourselves to be diverted from our chosen paths by the superficial things in life. We get lost in the I’ll get to it tomorrow syndrome.
After the long, hard winter, spring has finally blossomed, and the poet is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the warm days of summer. The words below look a bit strange, but if you read them aloud, you will quickly get the gist of the meaning.
Summer is icumen in
Lhude sing! Cuccu.
Groweth sed and bloweth med
And springth the wude nu--
Sing! Cuccu
Medieval English Lyrics, ed. by RT Davis
As you can readily observe, spelling and punctuation were a bit optional in the 13th century. Of course, I fear spelling and punctuation are still a bit optional for too many people today!
Life was tough in those days for the average person. The late Middle Ages was that difficult time before the birth of the Renaissance. Wealthy nobility and landlords owned all the lands. The Church held sway over virtually every aspect of life. The fear of demons, hellfire, and damnation ran rampant throughout society. The various trade guilds marked the slight emergence of a middle class within the old feudal system. Imagine a life with no cell phones, selfies, Starbucks, or McDonalds! A good meal probably consisted of some boiled onions and turnips. I’m not a big fan of fast food, but I think I’ll take a Big Mac and a latte!
So, did you figure out the little verse? Summer is coming, so it must be spring. Sing loud, Cuckoo! The seed is growing and the meadows are in bloom. The trees are leafing out. Sing, Cuckoo! Cuckoos spend the winters in Africa, and arrive back in the UK in early spring. Our unknown poet is regaling in the many signs of spring.
I gratefully acknowledge the generosity of the Medieval Woodcuts Clipart Collection (www.godecookery.com) for allowing non-commercial use of their amazing collection of medieval woodcuts. Visit their website to see more pictures of life in medieval England.
Wishing you a happy springtime every day of your life. No matter the season, let your life be filled with the joys of spring!
Sing, Cuckoo, sing!
