navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #35 » In Candlelight She Reads
Open Poetry #35
Post A Reply Post New Topic In Candlelight She Reads Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH

0 posted 2005-05-26 01:37 AM



                  I

She reads his words under candlelight
As they waver in her sight;
Her finger pulls each word along
while she tracks with hungry eyes.
Blurs become of smoke and word.

Smoke hazes past a hundred years
when she walks away from present time;
Then steps beside Great Grandfather’s friend
as he quotes his word and rhyme.
(Shall I give a taste of what she heard?)

                      ~

       “Under a spreading chestnut-tree
            The village smithy stands;
        The smith, a mighty man is he,
            With large and sinewy hands;
        And the muscles of his brawny arms
            Are strong as iron bands.” *
              
                          
                     II

Her fingers oil the Christmas note,
Trace over his artistic strokes
the delicacy of his penning;
  Yet, the controlled muscle
  with which he wrote--
      Yes! "As strong as iron bands"

In candlelight
She gives thanks for The Song of Hiawatha,
The Courtship of Miles Standish,
Silent appreciation for the Landlord’s Tale;

She gives thanks for the aging letter
And her friend whose words reveal.
                              ~cathy


        

(*the 1st verse of The Village Blacksmith by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

I know that my untrained poetry will never give justice to the influence this man has had on my family, but regardless, it is in appreciation I write.   He was an inspiration to my father, and my father one to me…
                                                              



[This message has been edited by miscellanea (05-26-2005 07:31 PM).]

© Copyright 2005 Cathy Farmer - All Rights Reserved
latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
1 posted 2005-05-26 02:27 AM


miscellanea, This was fun for me to read! The Village Blacksmith was  the first poem  we had to learn by heart in 4th grade! I also remember some fun  poems like Johnathan Bing! and ~ Belinda lived in a little white house with a little red wagon and a little grey mouse and a realio truleio little pet dragon ~ Something like that. Anyone remember?  I don't think they have poetry readings in 3rd and 4th grade any more. I wonder. martyjo


[This message has been edited by latearrival (05-26-2005 06:08 AM).]

miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
2 posted 2005-05-26 02:44 AM


latearrival,

   Glad you found it fun to read!  My teachers didn't focus much, if at all, on poetry, but I remember my Dad playing around with it.  Gosh, sure was lucky to have him!

   As to the rhymes you mentioned, they sound cute, but can't say I remember them!  Maybe someone else will.  Thanks for your response.  I'm going to get some shut-eye now.  See you later.

                 miscellanea

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
3 posted 2005-05-26 05:57 AM


enjoyed this
LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

4 posted 2005-05-26 07:23 AM


misc, this gave me chills to read, exceptional visions...emotions, pulling my eyes along faster and faster..well done, this beautiful composition is inspiring...thank you for writing and sharing...I believe Mr. Longfellow would nod and smile in great admiration.

Hugs

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
5 posted 2005-05-26 07:29 AM


Ah, this was pleasant and left me smiling, little one. I know the pull of years ago...and the haunting breath of past times...

a for me!

Karilea - if I whisper, will you listen?  Keeping in mind, I must stand close...and keep my promises...

miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
6 posted 2005-05-26 08:31 AM


passing shadows,
   I'm so glad to see you back! Wishing you wonderful days ahead.
                  miscellanea

Lee,
   Thanks so much for sharing how it affected you.  I guess I'm kind of blinded to the way others might perceive this because of the sentiment I have for Mr. Longfellow.  I appreciate your comments.  Although I didn't know him, his letter gave me a sense of worth when I found myself searching.

               misc

Sunshine,
   I'm flattered you would consider this for your collection.  You're much too kind, Karilea.  
However... I gladly accept your kindness!  Wink.
I very well imagine you feel the haunting of the past.  You writing is often rich with history.

                  miscee


              

  

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
7 posted 2005-05-31 02:54 PM


I love this! *S* My father had very little formal education... but he's the one who made poetry a part of my life. Mother wrote, but very few of her poems survived... that wasn't something she shared. But Daddy would quote The Village Blacksmith as he worked on his plows... The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere as he drove along... both my sister and I learned to recite along with him before we ever learned to read.

Untrained or not, I give thanks for your poetry, my friend... and especially for this. *S*

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
8 posted 2005-05-31 03:04 PM


I went to Longfellow Elementary school.  We memorized parts of Hiawatha.  Your poem is wonderful, and brought back some memories for me that are very special.  Thanks.  
Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
9 posted 2005-05-31 04:51 PM


My father has written hundreds and hundreds of poems for my Mom since they met when she was 15 and he was 16. As did your father with you, mine also instilled in me, the love and appreciation of poetry.

Your poem was beautifully written and I am certain that Wordsworth is smiling down at you.

Love & Poetry,
Linda
Reading


Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
10 posted 2005-05-31 04:54 PM


OH MY!!!  This is a treasure!!  I love it!
Thank you so much for sharing a keeper.
Hugs~Nancy

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
11 posted 2005-05-31 05:49 PM


enjoyed the words and meaning behind them..wish my family enjoyed the poetry  when I was small..I don't think they had the time with so many of us...but I have read some of their love letters and  they are poetry to me.

~smiling~
M

Goodknight
Member Elite
since 2002-06-15
Posts 2386
Ohio, USA
12 posted 2005-05-31 07:29 PM


the inspiration is there dear friend - you write it very well - Paul
BluesSerenade
Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
13 posted 2005-05-31 08:00 PM


This is an endearing tribute and a mighty fine piece of poetry~

We should all be so lucky to be inspired in such a lovely way.

Bless you, Cathy~


ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
14 posted 2005-05-31 09:26 PM


Well done.
Enjoyed your premier of longfellow.  A favorite of mine as well.
TD

miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
15 posted 2005-05-31 09:59 PM


My Friends,
   Your responses are greatly appreciated.  This is a busy time of the year for me, but I look forward to seeing you at your posts sometime soon.  
             cathy
      

Canuckster
Member
since 2002-01-09
Posts 285
New Mexico, USA
16 posted 2005-05-31 11:37 PM


I like this.  It ties a piece of history and verse into context.

I loved the original and this poem fans those flames.

never try to teach a pig to sing
it wastes your time AND annoys the pig

MyEnchanted_Melody
Senior Member
since 2001-05-30
Posts 1106
across the land of dreams. In your heart, I'd always be.
17 posted 2005-06-01 04:35 AM


This is so exquisitely written. It sends some nostalgic feelings within my viens.
Thank you for such a gift.


Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
18 posted 2005-06-01 01:09 PM


Cathy~
I greatly enjoyed this ...~

One of my all-time favorite poems, The Song of Hiawatha~

Thank you for sharing~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*When the heart grieves over what it has lost,
the spirit rejoices over what it has left.
- Sufi epigram <))><

Email noles1@totcon.com

ice
Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404
Pennsylvania
19 posted 2005-06-01 09:30 PM


Ms. Cellanea
These are the types of poems that allow me to meditate, nothing else exists during the short time that it takes to read them....But it seems to refresh me, so thank you for this one....

These "heartfelt lays" are the roots of all poetry, Longfellow knew this ...

" Come, read to me some poem,
Some simple and heartfelt lay,
That shall soothe this restless feeling,
And banish the thoughts of day."
(HWL, from "Day Is Done"

BTW I am very fond of Longfellows poetry...

enjoyed
------------ice
   ><>

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #35 » In Candlelight She Reads

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary