Poetry corner
We came across this poem a little while back. It's a beauty, and so here it is, for no particular reason at all.
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day’s occupations,
That is known as the Children’s Hour.
I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And voices soft and sweet.
From my study I see in the lamplight,
Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
And Edith with golden hair.
A whisper, and then a silence:
Yet I know by their merry eyes
They are plotting and planning together
To take me by surprise.
A sudden rush from the stairway,
A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
They enter my castle wall!
They climb up into my turret
O’er the arms and back of my chair;
If I try to escape, they surround me;
They seem to be everywhere.
They almost devour me with kisses,
Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
In his Mouse-Tower on the Rhine!
Do you think, O blue-eyed banditti,
Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am
Is not a match for you all!
I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round-tower of my heart.
And there will I keep you forever,
Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
And moulder in dust away.
Comments (4)
Sweet and lovely.
Posted by Doris | November 13, 2010 6:31 PM
Longfellow sure knew how to pander to his readers. From 'the midnight ride of paul revere' to this.
Of course, they were simpler times. and simpler people.
Posted by Grumpy ol' Joe | November 13, 2010 8:45 PM
And two beautiful, beautiful poems.
Posted by Jack Bog | November 13, 2010 9:00 PM
I've always loved that poem. 'Grave Alice and laughing Allegra, and Edith with golden hair.' Thanks Jack.
Posted by nancy | November 14, 2010 10:43 PM