All things by immortal power
near or far
suddenly
to each other linked are.
Thou can'st not stir a flower
Without troubling a star.
~ Francis Thompson thanks to Lyn Harmon
A legend told by the Venerable Bede says that the poet Caedmon was once completely mute. It was a custom in his village to spend evenings taking turns reciting poetry. On these occasions, Caedmon, unable to speak, would steal away to nearby hills to escape. One evening while walking alone, an angel appeared and urged him to sing. Miraculously, he began to sing and went on the become a famous poet.