"Piano" by D. H. Lawrence

 

"Piano"

Softly, in the dusk, a woman is singing to me;

Taking me back down the vista of years, till I see

A child sitting under the piano, in the boom of the tingling strings

And pressing the small, poised feet of a mother who smiles as she sings.

 

In spite of myself, the insidious mastery of song

Betrays me back, till the heart of me weeps to belong

To the old Sunday evenings at home, with winter outside

And hymns in the cosy parlour, the tinkling piano our guide.

 

So now it is vain for the singer to burst into clamour

With the great black piano appassionato. The glamour

Of childish days is upon me, my manhood is cast

Down in the flood of remembrance, I weep like a child for the past.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/wHvXLzElVhE

Who wrote the poem "Piano"?

David Herbert Lawrence (September 11, 1885 – March 2, 1930)

D. H. Lawrence was an English novelist, poet, essayist, and playwright. His works dealt with modernity, industrialization, sexuality, and instinct. His novels Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, and Lady Chatterley’s Lover concerned such controversial topics as gay and lesbian relationships. Although, due to his peculiar artistic style, he had to experience persecution and often was disgraced as a mere pornographer, some critics praise him for his artistic talents, integrity, and moral seriousness.

"Piano"  explanation

The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic expression of the speaker's memories of childhood and the longing for the simpler, happier times of the past. The speaker hears a distant piano playing and is sent back to his childhood, where he listens to the sounds of his mother singing and playing the piano. The music is a symbol of warmth and comfort, and the speaker feels a sense of sadness and loss as he realizes that he can never return to those childhood moments. The poem is often considered one of D. H. Lawrence's best-known works and has been set to music by several composers and has been performed in musical settings. The speaker's memories in the poem seem autobiographical, as D. H. Lawrence's own mother was a pianist and singer.

"Sadness And Joy" by William Henry Davies

 

Sadness And Joy 

I pray you, Sadness, leave me soon,

In sweet invention thou art poor!

Thy sister, Joy can make ten songs

While thou art making four.

One hour with thee is sweet enough;

But when we find the whole day gone

And no created thing is left—

We mourn the evil done.

Thou art too slow to shape thy thoughts

In stone, on canvas, or in song;

But Joy, being full of active heat,

Must do some deed ere long.

Thy sighs are gentle, sweet thy tears;

But if thou canst not help a man

To prove in substance what he feels—

Then givve me Joy, who can.

Therefore sweet Sadness, leave me soon,

Let thy bright sister, Joy, come more;

For she can make ten lovely songs

While thou art making four.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/sSS9T8q0IEE

Who wrote poem "Sadness And Joy"?

William Henry Davies (July 3, 1871 - September 26, 1940)

William Henry Davies was a Welsh poet and writer. Although he spent much of his earlier life as a poor traveller in the UK and US, he later became one of the most popular poets of his time. After his father died when he was 3 and his mother remarried the next year, Davies was raised by his grandparents. He attended school until age 14 and was a delinquent boy. His grandmother then signed him up for 5 year apprenticeship to a local picture frame maker, which he never liked. At age 22, he went to New York and drifted across the US and Canada, train hopping and casually laboring. After he lost his right leg below the knee from 1899 train hopping injury, Davies returned to Wales and settled in London, where he devoted his time to writing poetry. The main themes in his poems are life's hardships, the human condition reflected in nature, and city life.

 

"Sadness And Joy" explanation

The poem suggests that sadness and joy are intertwined and that one cannot fully appreciate one without experiencing the other. The speaker in the poem encourages the reader to embrace both sadness and joy, as they both play a role in the human experience. The poem also highlights the idea of the beauty and value of life, even in its most difficult moments.

"Sweet Rose Of Virtue" by William Dunbar

 

Sweet Rose Of Virtue

Sweet rose of virtue and of gentleness,

delightful lily of youthful wantonness,

richest in bounty and in beauty clear

and in every virtue that is held most dear―

except only that you are merciless.

 

Into your garden, today, I followed you;

there I saw flowers of freshest hue,

both white and red, delightful to see,

and wholesome herbs, waving resplendently―

yet nowhere, one leaf or flower of rue.

 

I fear that March with his last arctic blast

has slain my fair rose of pallid and gentle cast,

whose piteous death does my heart such pain

that, if I could, I would compose her roots again―

so comforting her bowering leaves have been.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/TRtUFJFHr0w

Who wrote the poem "Sweet Rose Of Virtue"?

William Dunbar (1459 or 1460 – 1530)

William Dunbar was a Scottish court poet, closely associated with King James IV. He produced more than 100 poems and is regarded as the greatest among Scottish court poets.

"Sweet Rose Of Virtue" explanation

In the poem, the speaker describes various positive character traits and beauty of a woman. His love for this woman, however, somehow changes into painful disappointment, so deep as to make her look dead.

"I Travelled among Unknown Men" by William Wordsworth

 

I Travelled among Unknown Men

I travelled among unknown men,

In lands beyond the sea;

Nor, England! did I know till then

What love I bore to thee.

 

'Tis past, that melancholy dream!

Nor will I quit thy shore

A second time; for still I seem

To love thee more and more.

 

Among thy mountains did I feel

The joy of my desire;

And she I cherished turned her wheel

Beside an English fire.

 

Thy mornings showed, thy nights concealed,

The bowers where Lucy played;

And thine too is the last green field

That Lucy's eyes surveyed.

 

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/uNuhEhGc7Mg

Who wrote the poem "I Travelled among Unknown Men"?

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 Travelled among Unknown Men" explanation

In the poem, the speaker realizes how much he loves his country, England, after spending time abroad and vows never to leave her again. His love for England is intertwined with his love for Lucy (presumably his beloved) and her memories, who perhaps died and no longer with him (“That Lucy’s eyes surveyed”). This poem was written in 1801 after the poet spent time in Germany. It was the third of the poet’s 5-poem Lucy series, where the speaker mourns his beloved Lucy. Whether this mysterious Lucy was a real person or, if so, who she was is unclear.

"Tomorrow, At Dawn" by Victor Marie Hugo

 

Tomorrow, At Dawn

Tomorrow, at dawn, at the hour when the countryside whitens,

I will set out. You see, I know that you wait for me.

I will go by the forest, I will go by the mountain.

I can no longer remain far from you.

 

I will walk with my eyes fixed on my thoughts,

Seeing nothing of outdoors, hearing no noise

Alone, unknown, my back curved, my hands crossed,

Sorrowed, and the day for me will be as the night.

 

I will not look at the gold of evening which falls,

Nor the distant sails going down towards Harfleur,

And when I arrive, I will place on your tomb

A bouquet of green holly and of flowering heather.

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇 

https://youtu.be/789qRPCiARE

Who wrote the poem "Tomorrow, At Dawn"?

Victor Marie Hugo (February 26, 1802 – May 22, 1885)

Victor Hugo was a French writer and politician. He is the author of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1831) and Les Misérables (1862). He was also a prolific poet and produced 4,000 drawings. He is now lauded as one of the greatest French writers ever. 

"Tomorrow, At Dawn" explanation

Hugo’s eldest and favorite daughter, Léopoldine, was married to Charles Vacquerie in February, 1843. She drowned with her husband in the Seine River in a boat accident at the age of 19. Hugo was devastated by this tragedy. This poem was written on the fourth anniversary of her death. In the poem, the poet describes his walk to her tomb.

"Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" by Thomas Moore

 

Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms

 

Believe me, if all those endearing young charms,

Which I gaze on so fondly to-day,

Were to change by to-morrow, and fleet in my arms,

Live fairy-gifts fading away,

Thou wouldst still be adored, as this moment thou art,

Let thy loveliness fade as it will,

And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart

Would entwine itself verdantly still.

 

It is not while beauty and youth are thine own,

And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear,

That the fervor and faith of a soul may be known,

To which time will but make thee more dear!

No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets,

But as truly loves on to the close,

As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets

The same look which she turned when he rose!

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/ShvkR8cLt9g

Who wrote the poem "Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms"?

Thomas Moore (May 28, 1779 – February 25, 1852)

 

Thomas Moore was an Irish writer, poet, composer, lyricist, and political propagandist. He was known for bringing popular Irish culture to English audience by setting English verse to old Irish tunes. He was a close friend of Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley. He was also famous for burning Byron’s memoirs (with the publisher John Murray), presumably to protect Byron.

"Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" explanation

In the poem, the speaker reassures his beloved that his love will go on through time and misfortune. It was written as a song lyric for a traditional Irish melody. Some believe that it was directed toward Moore’s wife, who suffered from smallpox.

"Eldorado" by Edgar Allan Poe

 

Eldorado

Gaily bedight,

A gallant knight,

In sunshine and in shadow,

Had journeyed long,

Singing a song,

In search of Eldorado.

 

But he grew old—

This knight so bold—

And o’er his heart a shadow—

Fell as he found

No spot of ground

That looked like Eldorado.

 

And, as his strength

Failed him at length,

He met a pilgrim shadow—

‘Shadow,’ said he,

‘Where can it be—

This land of Eldorado?’

 

‘Over the Mountains

Of the Moon,

Down the Valley of the Shadow,

Ride, boldly ride,’

The shade replied,—

‘If you seek for Eldorado!’

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇

https://youtu.be/tG8A5cnPi3Q

Who wrote the poem "Eldorado"?

Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849)

Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic. He is best known for his poetry as a central figure of Romanticism in the US and short stories as an important contributor in such emerging genres as mystery, detective fiction, and science fiction. He was also the first well-known professional writer, unfortunately resulting in a financially difficult career. Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1809, but his father abandoned the family in 1810, and his mother died the following year. He was raised as a foster child by John and Francis Allan in Virginia. His academic excellence was marred by his bad habits, and he had to leave the University of Virginia when his foster father refused to pay his gambling debts. In 1827, Poe joined the US Army and published his first collection of poems. Later he quit his military career, changed his focus to prose, and became editors of literary journals. In 1836, he married his 13-year-old cousin, Virginia Clemm. After she died of tuberculosis in 1847, Poe’s depression and alcoholism got worse. Although he died in 1849 at age 40, the cause of his death is unknown and still controversial among disease, alcoholism, substance abuse, suicide, and others.

"Eldorado" explanation

In the poem, the speaker talks about a brave knight and his lifelong pursuit of the lost city of Eldorado. The poem perhaps reflects the poet's disappointment with the futility of seeking dreams and/or happiness. It is one of Poe's final poems. He died 6 months after he wrote it.

"New Year's Eve" by D.H. Lawrence

 

New Year's Eve

There are only two things now,

The great black night scooped out

And this fireglow.

This fireglow, the core,

And we the two ripe pips

That are held in store.

Listen, the darkness rings

As it circulates round our fire.

Take off your things.

Your shoulders, your bruised throat!

Your breasts, your nakedness!

This fiery coat!

As the darkness flickers and dips,

As the firelight falls and leaps

From your feet to your lips!

 

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video👇 

https://youtu.be/f65x06TWsDY

Who wrote the poem "New Year's Eve"?

David Herbert Lawrence (September 11, 1885 – March 2, 1930)

D. H. Lawrence was an English novelist, poet, essayist, and playwright. His works dealt with modernity, industrialization, sexuality, and instinct. His novels Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, and Lady Chatterley’s Lover concerned such controversial topics as gay and lesbian relationships. Although, due to his peculiar artistic style, he had to experience persecution and often was disgraced as a mere pornographer, some critics praise him for his artistic talents, integrity, and moral seriousness.

"New Year's Eve" explanation

D. H. Lawrence is more famous for his controversial and unconventional novels such as Lady Chatterley’s Lover. However, he wrote almost 800 poems some of which are regarded by some critics superior to his novels. The poem touches on sexuality, vitality, spontaneity, and animal-like vibrance.

"A Vision" by Oscar Wilde

 

A Vision

Two crowned Kings, and One that stood alone

With no green weight of laurels round his head,

But with sad eyes as one uncomforted,

And wearied with man's never-ceasing moan

For sins no bleating victim can atone,

And sweet long lips with tears and kisses fed.

Girt was he in a garment black and red,

And at his feet I marked a broken stone

Which sent up lilies, dove-like, to his knees.

Now at their sight, my heart being lit with flame,

I cried to Beatrice, 'Who are these? '

And she made answer, knowing well each name,

'AEschylos first, the second Sophokles,

And last (wide stream of tears!) Euripides.'

Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.

poem video 👇

https://youtu.be/9RBmiw3jpAg

Who wrote the poem "A Vision"?

Oscar Wilde (October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900)

Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet, playwright, and journalist. He attended Trinity College and Oxford University and became involved in the newly emerging aesthetic movement. His works include poetry, novels, and plays. His plays in particular became extremely popular in London in the 1890s. He married Constance Lloyd in 1884 and had two sons. At the pinnacle of his success, he began a homosexual affair with Lord Alfred Douglas and was arrested and tried for gross indecency. He was convicted and sentenced to two years’ hard labor, and was jailed from 1895 to 1897. He was released with his health and reputation ruined and left for France and never returned. He soon died of meningitis in 1900 at the age of 46.

"A Vision" explanation

The poem is about three great Greek playwrights and the poet’s feelings for them. The speaker begins the poem by mentioning two crowned kings and one standing alone without laurels. Two crowned kings refer to Aeschylus, often called as the father of tragedy, and Sophokles who was highly celebrated in Athens during his lifetime. The one without laurels is Euripides who was less popular in his lifetime. However, it is Sophokles whom the speaker is more interested in and that evokes various feelings.