Serendipity

Sometimes the parts of life that make you smile widest are those happy accidents or so-called instances of serendipity.

About two weeks ago, I put my mind to memorizing one of my favorite poems, How Do I Love Thee? by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It was one of the readings at our wedding and is a beautiful classic. I just randomly thought it would be cool to know it by heart. Why not?

So, I looked at a few lines a night until I had it committed to memory. I recited it to T and didn't think much more of it.

Now for the cool coincidence: Last Friday I had my day-long interview for a job I really want. As a quick aside, I had a bad cold and hoped my voice would hold out. It was another intense interview for this company, talking to about ten people, giving a presentation, and then taking an extended writing assessment. Here's the crazy part: the first question of my writing test? What are a few lines of your favorite poem?

I laughed out loud and then happily clicked away, typing out the entire poem. Just a few weeks ago, I would have racked my brain and maybe managed "I took the road less traveled by..." or something else extremely minimal.

I have had my share of bad luck lately, so I happily welcomed a little serendipity.

How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

--MM