"Be The Best Of Whatever You Are" by Douglas Malloch

 

Be The Best Of Whatever You Are

 If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,

Be a scrub in the valley — but be

The best little scrub by the side of the rill;

Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

 

If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,

And some highway happier make;

If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass —

But the liveliest bass in the lake!

 

We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,

There's something for all of us here,

There's big work to do, and there's lesser to do,

And the task you must do is the near.

 

If you can't be a highway then just be a trail,

If you can't be the sun be a star;

It isn't by size that you win or you fail —

Be the best of whatever you are!

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

Poem Video👇 

https://youtu.be/ahoMIZSk5nQ

Who wrote the poem "Be The Best Of Whatever You Are"?

Douglas Malloch (May 5, 1877 – July 2, 1938)

Douglas Malloch was an American poet, short-story writer, and associate editor of Amercian Lumberman, a trade paper in Chicago. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan, a center of the lumbering industry. He grew up in the forest, surrounded by logging camps, sawmills and lumber yards. These simple roots were reflected in his poetry, and he became famous as a “Lumberman’s poet.” Malloch also wrote the Michigan State Song.

"Be The Best Of Whatever You Are" explanation

We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Success can be achieved when each person does what he or she has been called to do to the best of his or her ability and with pride. The poet, coming from humble roots himself, reminds the reader of this simple yet profound wisdom of life.

"One Sister Have I In Our House" by Emily Dickinson

 

One Sister Have I In Our House

One Sister have I in our house,

And one, a hedge away.

There's only one recorded,

But both belong to me.

 

One came the road that I came --

And wore my last year's gown --

The other, as a bird her nest,

Builded our hearts among.

 

She did not sing as we did --

It was a different tune --

Herself to her a music

As Bumble bee of June.

 

Today is far from Childhood --

But up and down the hills

I held her hand the tighter --

Which shortened all the miles --

 

And still her hum

The years among,

Deceives the Butterfly;

Still in her Eye

The Violets lie

Mouldered this many May.

 

I spilt the dew --

But took the morn --

I chose this single star

From out the wide night's numbers --

Sue - forevermore!

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

Poem Video👇

https://youtu.be/sn8XxctaOjg

Who wrote the poem "One Sister Have I In Our House"?

Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (December 10, 1830 – May 15, 1886)

Emily Elizabeth Dickinson was an American poet who was born in Amherst, Massachusetts. She spent most of her adult life at the family home in isolation, attending to her ill mother. Introverted and timid, she never married or sought a permanent romantic relationship all her life. Although she wrote nearly 1,800 poems during her lifetime, her poetry was largely misunderstood or underrated while she was alive. Her poems were quite original and disregarded many conventional rules, containing short lines, typically lacking titles, and often using imperfect rhyme and odd-looking syntax. Her poetry however captures universal feelings in a simple sentence with unique but resonating metaphors and reflects the poet’s lively, imaginative, and dynamic inner world. Her poetic genius began to be appreciated only after her death when her sister published her works. Now Dickinson is regarded as one of the most important American poets.

"One Sister Have I In Our House" explanation

This poem is Emily Dickinson’s tribute to her sister-in-law, Susan Gilbert Dickinson. Susan married Austin Dickinson, Emily’s only brother, in 1856, and developed a life-long close relationship with Emily, characterized by love, respect, and friendship. As a writer and poet herself, Susan served as an advisor and reader to Emily and a connection between Emily and worldly knowledge. Emily once praised Susan, saying “With the exception of Shakespeare, you have told me of more knowledge than any one living.” In the poem, Emily expresses her love for Susan by calling her another sister.

"Love's Coming" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

 

Love's Coming

She had looked for his coming as warriors come,

With the clash of arms and the bugle's call;

But he came instead with a stealthy tread,

Which she did not hear at all.

 

She had thought how his armor would blaze in the sun,

As he rode like a prince to claim his bride:

In the sweet dim light of the falling night

She found him at her side.

 

She had dreamed how the gaze of his strange, bold eye

Would wake her heart to a sudden glow:

She found in his face the familiar grace

Of a friend she used to know.

 

She had dreamed how his coming would stir her soul,

As the ocean is stirred by the wild storm's strife:

He brought her the balm of a heavenly calm,

And a peace which crowned her life.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music

poem Video👇

https://youtu.be/5ZNM07hqolw

Who wrote the pome "Love's Coming"?

Ella Wheeler Wilcox (November 5, 1850 – October 30, 1919)

Ella Wheeler Wilcox was an American author and poet who wrote “Solitude,” which contains the famous lines “Laugh, and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone.” Popular among people rather than among literary critics, she often displayed in her poems cheerful and optimistic sentiments in plain and rhyming words. After she married Robert Wilcox in 1884, the couple became interested in spiritualism and promised each other that whoever died first would return and communicate with the other. After her husband died in 1916 after over 30 years of marriage, she was overwhelmed by grief and waited long to hear from her deceased husband in vain. She also believed in reincarnation. She died of cancer in 1919.

 

"Love’s Coming" explanation

In the poem, the speaker talks about the great expectation of falling in love, followed by realization of reality. The poem consists of four 4-line stanzas with a rhyme scheme of ABCB. The first two lines of each stanza shows the speaker’s expectation about love, and the latter two lines of each stanza shows the reality.

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost

 

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

 

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

 

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music

Poem video👇

https://youtu.be/GpSvs1j6XCQ

Who wrote the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?"

Robert Frost (March 26, 1874 – January 29, 1963)

Robert Frost was an American poet who was born in San Francisco, California. Frost’s life was marked by grief and loss. When he was 11, his father died of tuberculosis, leaving just eight dollars. Frost’s mother died of cancer when he was 26. Mental illness ran in his family. He and his mother suffered from depression, and his sister and his daughter were committed to mental hospitals. Using realistic depictions of rural life, his poems often examined complex social and philosophical themes. Frost’s first book was published at the age of 40, but he ended up winning four Pulitzer Prizes for poetry and becoming the most famous poet of his time.

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" explanation

In the poem, the speaker has stopped by in the woods on a snowy evening, torn between two choices: staying in the woods and heading home. Mesmerized by the naturalistic beauty of the snowy woods, the speaker allows himself a brief moment of peaceful distraction from his mundane responsibilities. But in the end, he decides to go back to his worldly obligations. Somewhat darker undertones to the poem caused some people to interpret the word “sleep” as a kind of death wish, a desire to be free from the demands of life. According to Frost, he wrote this beautiful poem in 1922 in the few moments when he took a break, watching the sunrise, after spending the night writing ‘New Hampshire,’ a very long poem.

 

"It's Fine Today" By Douglas Malloch

 

It's Fine Today

Sure, this world is full of trouble

I ain't said it ain't.

Lord, I've had enough and double

Reason for complaint;

Rain and storm have come to fret me,

Skies are often gray;

Thorns and brambles have beset me

On the road — but say,

Ain't it fine today?

 

What's the use of always weepin',

Making trouble last?

What's the use of always keepin'

Thinkin' of the past?

Each must have his tribulation —

Water with his wine;

Life, it ain't no celebration,

Trouble? — I've had mine —

But today is fine!

 

It's today that I am livin',

Not a month ago.

Havin'; losin'; takin'; givin';

As time wills it so.

Yesterday a cloud of sorrow

Fell across the way,

It may rain again tomorrow,

It may rain — but say,

Ain't it fine today?

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

Poem Video👇

https://youtu.be/iWHmG9bfiZs

Who wrote the poem "It's Fine Today"?

Douglas Malloch (May 5, 1877 – July 2, 1938)

Douglas Malloch was an American poet, short-story writer, and associate editor of Amercian Lumberman, a trade paper in Chicago. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan, a center of the lumbering industry. He grew up in the forest, surrounded by logging camps, sawmills and lumber yards. These simple roots were reflected in his poetry, and he became famous as a “Lumberman’s poet.” Malloch also wrote the Michigan State Song.

"It’s Fine Today" explanation.

In our life, we all face various obstacles and sufferings. Some people will just panic out of fear or frustration. Others will keep complaining, blaming others. But there are a few people that will focus on the solutions to make things better, maintaining positive perspectives. This poem reminds the reader of the importance of a positive perspective when facing adversities in a simple and clear manner.

"M-O-T-H-E-R" by Howard Johnson

 

M-O-T-H-E-R

“M” is for the million things she gave me,

“O” means only that she’s growing old,

“T” is for the tears were shed to save me,

“H” is for her heart of purest gold;

“E” is for her eyes, with lovelight shining,

“R” means right, and right she’ll always be,

Put them all together, they spell “MOTHER,”

A word that means the world to me.

“M” is for the mercy she possesses,

“O” means that I owe her all I own,

“T” is for her tender sweet caresses,

“H” is for her hands that made a home;

“E” means ev’rything she’s done to help me,

“R” means real and regular, you see,

Put them all together, they spell “MOTHER,”

A word that means the world to me.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music

Poem Video👇

https://youtu.be/AlARYEq1isM

Who wrote the poem "M-O-T-H-E-R"?

Howard Johnson (June 2, 1887 – May 1, 1941)

Howard Johnson was an American song lyricist, songwriter, and author. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWI, he joined the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1917 and collaborated musically with many artists. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.

"M-O-T-H-E-R" explanation

We all owe the infinite gratitude for our mothers’ strength, willingness to give and help, and wisdom. This short and simple song lyric reminds us of the warmth of motherly love.

"I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" by William Wordsworth

 

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

 

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

 

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed—and gazed—but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

 

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

 

Enjoy this music with beautiful music.

Poem Video👇

https://youtu.be/Z3dWTLyvAz8

Who wrote the poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud"?

William Wordsworth  (April 7, 1770 – April 23, 1850)

William Wordsworth was an English poet who pioneered the Romantic Movement with his close friend and fellow poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge. He famously defined poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” Using the ordinary language “really used by men,” he wrote beautiful poetry with sweet imagery, often based around the natural world. He suffered from depression, which was reflected in somber undertones in his poems. He was the Poet Laureate for Queen Victoria from 1843 until his death from pleurisy in 1850.

"I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" explanation

In the poem, the speaker is wandering down the hills and valley and finds a beautiful field of daffodils. Out of the poet’s mesmerization by the beautiful scenery, the poem explores the themes of beauty of nature, spiritual inspiration from it, and past memories.

"The Arrow And The Song" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

The Arrow And The Song

I shot an arrow into the air,

It fell to earth, I knew not where;

For, so swiftly it flew, the sight

Could not follow it in its flight.

 

I breathed a song into the air,

It fell to earth, I knew not where;

For who has sight so keen and strong,

That it can follow the flight of song?

 

Long, long afterward, in an oak

I found the arrow, still unbroke;

And the song, from beginning to end,

I found again in the heart of a friend.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

Poem Video👇

https://youtu.be/s6ZxjfjTPaw

Who wrote the poem "The Arrow And The Song:?

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (February 27, 1807 – March 24, 1882)

 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American poet and educator. He was one of the most famous American poets of the 19th century, both domestically and internationally, and was one of the few American writers honored in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine (then still part of Massachusetts). He studied at Bowdoin College and became a professor there and later at Harvard University. His poems were known for their musicality, often including stories of mythology and legend.

"The Arrow And The Song" explanation

The poem compares an arrow shot in the air with a song breathed in the air. Both seemingly disappear quickly but leave far reaching impacts in an oak and in the heart of a friend. The arrow symbolizes hateful words whereas the song represents kind and pleasing words. In this short but artistic poem, the poet reminds the reader of the permanent impacts of our words and actions. Our words and actions will have consequences, and we have to speak and act wisely.

"See It Through" by Edgar Albert Guest

 

See It Through

When you’re up against a trouble,

Meet it squarely, face to face;

Lift your chin and set your shoulders,

Plant your feet and take a brace.

When it’s vain to try to dodge it,

Do the best that you can do;

You may fail, but you may conquer,

See it through!

 

Black may be the clouds about you

And your future may seem grim,

But don’t let your nerve desert you;

Keep yourself in fighting trim.

If the worst is bound to happen,

Spite of all that you can do,

Running from it will not save you,

See it through!

 

Even hope may seem but futile,

When with troubles you’re beset,

But remember you are facing

Just what other men have met.

You may fail, but fall still fighting;

Don’t give up, whate’er you do;

Eyes front, head high to the finish.

See it through!

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

Poem Video👇

https://youtu.be/u1HL4CapqTQ

Who wrote the poem "See It Through"?

Edgar Albert Guest (August 20, 1881 ~ August 5, 1959)

Edgar Albert Guest was a Britishborn American poet who was popular in the first half of the 20th century. He wrote 11,000 poems which were syndicated in 300 newspapers. He became known as the People's Poet because his poems were easy to read and had an inspirational and optimistic view of everyday life with such themes as family, work, children, and God.

"See It Through" explanation

In the poem, the speaker inspires the reader to confront any obstacles, never give up, and persevere. Even when facing an unavoidable failure, we should fail fighting hard, maintaining confidence and self-esteem.

 

"Only One Mother" by George Cooper

 

Only One Mother

Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky,

Hundreds of shells on the shore together,

Hundreds of birds that go singing by,

Hundreds of lambs in the sunny weather.

 

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,

Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,

Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,

But only one mother the wide world over.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music

Poem Video👇

https://youtu.be/e51F-LMwbEc

Who wrote the poem "Only One Mother"?

George Cooper (May 14, 1840 – September 26, 1927)

George Cooper was an American poet known for his song lyrics. Many of his works were set to music by Stephen Foster. He also translated the lyrics of European musical works into singable English.

"Only One Mother" explanation

Although there are so many valuable things in the world such as stars, birds, dewdrops, and butterflies, there is only one mother. This beautiful short piece reminds us of the preciousness of our mother.

"Echo" by Christina Rossetti

 

Echo

Come to me in the silence of the night;

Come in the speaking silence of a dream;

Come with soft rounded cheeks and eyes as bright

As sunlight on a stream;

Come back in tears,

O memory, hope, love of finished years.

 

O dream how sweet, too sweet, too bitter sweet,

Whose wakening should have been in Paradise,

Where souls brimfull of love abide and meet;

Where thirsting longing eyes

Watch the slow door

That opening, letting in, lets out no more.

 

Yet come to me in dreams, that I may live

My very life again though cold in death:

Come back to me in dreams, that I may give

Pulse for pulse, breath for breath:

Speak low, lean low

As long ago, my love, how long ago.

Enjoy this poem with beautiful music.

Poem Video👇

https://youtu.be/ZakHrrDiGOk

Who wrote the poem "Remember"?

Christina Rossetti (December 5, 1830 ~ December 29, 1894)

Christina Rossetti was an English poet who was lauded as one of the foremost female poets of the 19th-century Victorian era. She wrote romantic, devotional, and children's poems, marked by symbolism and intense feeling. Her literary status was often compared to that of Elizabeth Barren Browning, and upon Browning's death in 1861, Rossetti was hailed as Browning's rightful successor. She opposed slavery, cruelty to animals, and the exploitation of girls in under-age prostitution. Rossetti suffered from Graves' disease in the later decades of her life. In 1893, she was diagnosed of breast cancer and died of a recurrence in 1894.

"Echo" Explanation

In the poem, the speaker expresses her longing for the loved one who passed away long ago. The only way for the speaker to meet the lost love is to see him in her dreams. But, those dreams are just like an echo, a remnant of the past memories. The unique atmosphere of the poem, combining somberness and loneliness, is augmented by the poet’s effective use of alliteration, euphony, and metaphor.