Monday Poems: Embrace the Start of the Week with Poetry

Poetry has been held in high regard as a means of expressing profound emotions, capturing significant moments, and even inspiring change. It has the power to transport readers to another realm, evoke strong emotions, and offer solace during trying times. Among the various forms and genres of poetry, there exists a special category dedicated to Monday poems. These poems serve as a reminder that even the often-dreaded start of the week can be embraced with creativity, positivity, and introspection. Through the rhythm and rhyme of these poems, we can find inspiration and motivation to make the most of the week ahead.

Monday Poem #1: "Monday Morning" by Billy Collins

Monday Morning is a beautiful poem by the renowned American poet Billy Collins. Let's take a moment to bask in the imagery and emotion it evokes:

Monday Morning

Monday Morning
by Billy Collins

Monday is taken from the Middle English Monenday, which is derived from Old English Monandæg, which, in turn, is derived from Old English Monandæg. 

Sounds like having his cake and eating it too for whoever named today Monday, fancying the tryptic of S’s having it both ways, the M for preference— Mmmmm— while leaving just the residue of the Old English whatever a Monandæg is— we are all on the take when Monday is delivered, ripe as a welfare check, to our doors.

Another month engulfed in the sweet nest of a cabbage butterfly, the landscaped meadow of fog—it was the best of quarters, it was the worst of quarters, as an old teacher of mine used to say— clambers to its knees, to the first light in the road, its sleeves— all two of them— sticking out of its pockets, its body showing through holes at the elbows.

Good morning, Mr. Executioner. May I have a word with you for a moment? There are a couple of citizens in the audience wearing headphones who are unable to hear the guillotine upon the neck of the scheduled angel.

Death, since even what thou enclosest cannot remain subject to decay but only to transformation, Monday is the beginning of all things— give or take— and the citizenry of Mourners are paying their respects to that one deceased body embalmed in every month’s arms—

do you know who I mean?

And what are you and I to make of the preceding lines?

It is Monday in the newspaper lining itself up to be paid for the greed of everyday existence, its backside sticking out of the delivery boy’s righteous pants, its meeting-day face peering out of the breast pocket of the doughnut-eating merchant, the only merchant in town who is really cashing in on the morning.

It is Monday being wrestled into its bloodless suit by a snorting man on a stepladder and the invisible spilled shine of yesterday’s shoe. Its ticket to ride is the wet fist of headlights. Its coin is the ringing alarm clock. Its mayor is a demanding boss. The shadows of citizens and trees are a dapple across its chin. O Sunday, where art thou? Is that what all the songs mean?

Your day will come it says to itself one day as it hands up the subway stairs. Then it goes off to work in the city. 

Source: Poetry Foundation

Poetic Reflection

In "Monday Morning," Billy Collins employs his signature wit and astute observations to shed light on the complexities of a Monday. The poet plays with the linguistic origins of the word, humorously delving into its etymology while also addressing the common sentiment of Monday being a day associated with struggle and weariness. Collins juxtaposes ideas of renewal and routine, creating a contrast of emotions that resonates with many readers. Through vivid imagery and a touch of playfulness, "Monday Morning" encourages us to find meaning in the mundane and reminds us that every day holds potential.

Monday Poem #2: "Monday's Child" by Mother Goose

On a lighter note, let's explore the well-known nursery rhyme, "Monday's Child" attributed to Mother Goose:

Monday's Child

Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go,
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child works hard for a living,
But the child born on the Sabbath Day,
Is fair and wise and good in every way.

Source: Poetry Foundation

Poetic Reflection

"Monday's Child" carries a sense of whimsy and charm as Mother Goose assigns personality traits based on the day of the week a child is born. This lighthearted poem reminds us that our birth, even if it falls on a Monday, does not dictate our future but rather emphasizes the unique qualities and potential within us all. It serves as a reminder that despite the stereotypes and superstitions associated with different days, every day holds promise and opportunity for growth.

Monday Poem #3: "I Dread Mondays" by Unknown

Let's explore a relatable and relatable poem that expresses a common feeling many experience:

I Dread Mondays

I dread Mondays as they come,
With their early morning drum.
The weekend's freedom left behind,
A sigh escapes, a heavy mind.

The alarm clock's beep, so loud and shrill,
Awakens me from dreams that thrill.
With heavy eyelids and weary head,
I stumble on, eyes filled with dread.

The weekend's joy, its lazy bliss,
Now just a time I reminisce.
The workweek beckons, tasks to fulfill,
Yet my thoughts wander, still.

But let this Monday be the one,
To turn the tide and bring the sun.
Embrace the challenge, face it strong,
Forge a new path all along.

For even Mondays, with their gloom,
Can be days where dreams find room.
Let's seize this chance, break these chains,
And find poetry in life's refrains.

Source: PoetrySoup

Poetic Reflection

"I Dread Mondays" encapsulates the common sentiment and struggle many individuals face as they bid farewell to the weekend's relaxation and anticipate the challenges the workweek brings. Through acknowledging the feeling of dread, this anonymous poet invites us to envision Mondays as an opportunity for growth and transformation. By embracing the challenge and shifting our perspective, we can find beauty and poetry even in the mundane aspects of life.

Monday poems celebrate and explore the various emotions, perceptions, and experiences associated with the beginning of the week. Whether it is through renowned poets like Billy Collins or the playful rhymes of Mother Goose, these poems offer insights into the human condition and remind us that even Mondays can hold moments of inspiration and beauty. So, let us welcome Mondays with open hearts and open minds, appreciating the fresh start they bring along with new possibilities and the chance to infuse our week with creativity.