"The Year" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

 

The Year

What can be said in New Year rhymes,

That’s not been said a thousand times?

 

The new years come, the old years go,

We know we dream, we dream we know.

 

We rise up laughing with the light,

We lie down weeping with the night.

 

We hug the world until it stings,

We curse it then and sigh for wings.

 

We live, we love, we woo, we wed,

We wreathe our prides, we sheet our dead.

 

 

We laugh, we weep, we hope, we fear,

And that’s the burden of a year.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇 

https://youtu.be/Z0XB6eXmuJY

Who wrote the poem "The Year"?

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.

"The Year" explanation

In the poem, the speaker describes the winter season from a child’s perspective, using interesting images and personification.

"The Secret Heart" by Robert Peter Tristram Coffin

 

The Secret Heart

Across the years he could recall

His father one way best of all.

 

In the stillest hour of night

The boy awakened to a light.

 

Half in dreams, he saw his sire

With his great hands full of fire.

 

The man had struck a match to see

If his son slept peacefully.

 

He held his palms each side the spark

His love had kindled in the dark.

 

His two hands were curved apart

In the semblance of a heart.

 

He wore, it seemed to his small son,

A bare heart on his hidden one,

 

A heart that gave out such a glow

No son awake could bear to know.

 

It showed a look upon his face

Too tender for the day to trace.

 

One instant, it lit all about,

And then the secret heart went out.

 

But it shone long enough for one

To know that hands held up the sun

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇 

https://youtu.be/fZTBztCroIM

Who wrote the poem "The Secret Heart"?

Robert Peter Tristram Coffin (March 18, 1892 – January 20, 1955)

Robert P.T. Coffin was an American poet, educator, editor, literary critic, and writer. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1936. He was the youngest of ten children. He received his undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College, Masters of Arts from Princeton University, and Doctor of Literature from Oxford University. He also served with the US Army in World War I. He died of a heart attack at the age of 62.

"The Secret Heart" explanation

In the poem, the speaker narrates the fondest childhood memory of his father. One night, a boy awoke to see his father checking on him (to see if his son is sleeping well) with a lit match in cupped hands. “Half in dreams,” the boy thinks the match light looks like a heart on his father’s chest, “a bare heart on his hidden one.” This poem was written in the early 20^th century. Back then, a man wasn’t supposed to express his emotions. That is why the father in this poem had to secretly express his love for his son at night with a match. Hence, “Secret Love.” Fortunately, the son realized his father’s love (“To know that hands held up the sun” (son)) and remembers the moment as a tender childhood memory of his father. Do you have a good memory with your father?

"There is no frigate like a book" by Emily Dickinson

 

There is no frigate like a book 

There is no Frigate like a Book

To take us Lands away,

Nor any Coursers like a Page

Of prancing Poetry –

This Traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of Toll –

How frugal is the Chariot

That bears a Human soul.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/1muT_HS4XD4

Who wrote the poem "There is no frigate like a book"?

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.

"There is no frigate like a book" explanation

In the poem, the speaker compares reading with various means of travelling, stating that reading (particularly books of poetry) is superior because it’s farther reaching and cheaper. This poem is the title poem of a short book of three poems that Dickinson published for young children.

"Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind" by William Shakespeare

 

Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind

Blow, blow, thou winter wind,

Thou art not so unkind

As man’s ingratitude;

Thy tooth is not so keen,

Because thou art not seen,

Although thy breath be rude.

Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:

Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:

Then, heigh-ho, the holly!

This life is most jolly.

 

Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,

That dost not bite so nigh

As benefits forgot:

Though thou the waters warp,

Thy sting is not so sharp

As friend remembered not.

Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly..

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/3UTTMiKMNMM

Who wrote the poem "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind"?

William Shakespeare (April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616)

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor of the Renaissance era. He is regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon." Few public records remain about his private life, causing speculations about his physical appearances, sexuality, religious beliefs and the authorship of some of his works. His works demonstrate a wide range of human emotions and conflicts, touching so many people's minds throughout the world for over 400 years.

"Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind" explanation

In the poem, the speaker compares the ingratitude and betrayal of his friend with the harsh winter wind. This poem was published in 1623 in the play, “As You Like It.” In the play, Amiens, a lord, sings the poem, stating that a friend’s ingratitude causes more pain than the harsh winter wind.

"The Best Thing in the World" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The Best Thing in the World

What’s the best thing in the world ?

June-rose, by May-dew impearled;

Sweet south-wind, that means no rain;

Truth, not cruel to a friend;

Pleasure, not in haste to end;

Beauty, not self-decked and curled

Till its pride is over-plain;

Light, that never makes you wink;

Memory, that gives no pain;

Love, when, so, you're loved again.

What's the best thing in the world ?

— Something out of it, I think.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/7eVAZ6J0gMM

Who wrote the poem "The Best Thing in the World"?

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (March 6, 1806 — June 29, 1861)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was an English poet of the Victorian era, famous in England and the U.S. during her lifetime. She was the eldest of 12 children and wrote poetry from 11. She was an avid reader and writer, and Shakespeare was her favorite. From 15, she suffered from frail health due to intense head and spinal pain and lung problems throughout her life. After her 1844 volume "Poems" had a great success, Robert Browning, an English poet and playwright, was inspired to write to her, praising her work. The two met in 1845, fell in love, and soon got married. Their special bond had an important influence on their respective subsequent writings. Her work also had a great influence on famous contemporary writers such as the American poets Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson.

"The Best Thing in the World" explanation

In the poem, the speaker asks a rhetorical question “what’s the best thing in the world?” She then provides her own answers: June-rose, sweet south-wind, truth, pleasure, beauty, light, and memory. By doing so, she invokes the readers’ own experiences related to these. She also invites the readers to think of their own opinion about the most valuable things in the world. What do you value the most in your life?

"To Mary" by John Clare

 

"To Mary"

I sleep with thee, and wake with thee,
And yet thou art not there;
I fill my arms with thoughts of thee,
And press the common air.
Thy eyes are gazing upon mine,
When thou art out of sight;
My lips are always touching thine,
At morning, noon, and night.

I think and speak of other things
To keep my mind at rest:
But still to thee my memory clings
Like love in woman's breast.
I hide it from the world's wide eye,
And think and speak contrary;
But soft the wind comes from the sky,
And whispers tales of Mary.

The night wind whispers in my ear,
The moons shines in my face;
A burden still of chilling fear
I find in every place.
The breeze is whispering in the bush,
And the dews fall from the tree,
All sighing on, and will not hush,
Some pleasant tales of thee.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/OO_V_fyaV9w

Who wrote the poem "To Mary"?

John Clare (July 13, 1793 – May 20, 1864)

John Clare was an English poet. As the son of a poor farm labourer, he received little formal education, and malnutrition from childhood may have contributed to his five-foot stature and poor physical health in later life. His works often celebrate the natural world and rural life and his love for his wife Patty and his childhood lover, Mary Joyce. Although his first book, Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery (1820), published in an attempt to stop his parents’ eviction from their home, became popular to readers and critics, Clare struggled as a writer for most of his life. His works were reevaluated in the late 20^th century, and he is now considered as a major 19^th century poet.

"To Mary" explanation

After attending a day school for a few months every year until he was 12 years old, Clare went to night school and studied informally with his friends. He met fellow student Mary Joyce there and fell in love. However, the two had to separate because her father, a prosperous farmer, forbade the relationship. Although Clare later married Patty Turner, he devoted many poems to his childhood love, Mary.

"Star Of The East" by Eugene Field

 

Star Of The East

Star of the East, that long ago

Brought wise men on their way

Where, angels singing to and fro,

The Child of Bethlehem lay—

Above that Syrian hill afar

Thou shinest out to-night, O Star!

 

Star of the East, the night were drear

But for the tender grace

That with thy glory comes to cheer

Earth's loneliest, darkest place;

For by that charity we see

Where there is hope for all and me.

 

Star of the East! show us the way

In wisdom undefiled

To seek that manger out and lay

Our gifts before the child—

To bring our hearts and offer them

Unto our King in Bethlehem! 

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/VpGW_zoaKPs

Who wrote the poem "Star Of The East"?

Eugene Field (September 2, 1850 – November 4, 1895)

Eugene Field was an American poet and essayist, well known for his children’s poetry and witty essays. His father was a lawyer who famously represented Dred Scott, a slave who sued for freedom, a case that ignited the Civil War. After his father died and his efforts to study several subjects including law didn’t come to fruition, he became a journalist. He then married Julia Comstock, and the couple had 8 children. Later his poems for children had a great success, but, at the height of his success, he died of a heart attack at the age of 45.

"Star Of The East" explanation

In the poem, the speaker retells the story of Christmas and celebrates hope that it brings for all.

"The Holy Night" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

 

The Holy Night

We sate among the stalls at Bethlehem;

The dumb kine from their fodder turning them,

Softened their horned faces

To almost human gazes

Toward the newly Born:

The simple shepherds from the star-lit brooks

Brought their visionary looks,

As yet in their astonied hearing rung

The strange sweet angel-tongue:

The magi of the East, in sandals worn,

Knelt reverent, sweeping round,

With long pale beards, their gifts upon the ground,

The incense, myrrh, and gold

These baby hands were impotent to hold:

So let all earthlies and celestials wait

Upon thy royal state.

Sleep, sleep, my kingly One!

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/Ay8JWJQZpfw

Who wrote the poem "The Holy Night"?

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (March 6, 1806 — June 29, 1861)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was an English poet of the Victorian era, famous in England and the U.S. during her lifetime. She was the eldest of 12 children and wrote poetry from 11. She was an avid reader and writer, and Shakespeare was her favorite. From 15, she suffered from frail health due to intense head and spinal pain and lung problems throughout her life. After her 1844 volume "Poems" had a great success, Robert Browning, an English poet and playwright, was inspired to write to her, praising her work. The two met in 1845, fell in love, and soon got married. Their special bond had an important influence on their respective subsequent writings. Her work also had a great influence on famous contemporary writers such as the American poets Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson.

"The Holy Night" explanation

As a Christian, Browning taught herself Greek and Hebrew to better study the Bible. In the poem, the speaker describes Christ’s birth in a peaceful and reverent tone.

 

"Christmas Bells" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

Christmas Bells

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

Till ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearth-stones of a continent,

And made forlorn

The households born

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

And in despair I bowed my head;

"There is no peace on earth," I said;

For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

 

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men."

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/pAggQjm7sYQ

Who wrote the poem "Christmas Bells"?

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.

"Christmas Bells" explanation

The poem was written during the American Civil War. Charles Longfellow, the poet’s son, fought and got injured during the war, and this led the poet to write this poem, which later became the basis for the Christmas carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Longfellow supported the abolitionist cause, but reportedly desired peace earnestly.