"Poetic Wednesday" "Abou Ben Adhem" Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,And saw within the moon light in his room,Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,An angel writing in a good of gold:Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,And to the presence in the room … Continue reading “Abou Ben Adhem”- Famous Poem About Loving God by Serving Our Fellow Men
"Poetic Wednesday" Alfred Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918) is an American poet. He was killed in action, at the age of 32, in the Second Battle of Marne in the final days of WW I. “Trees” is his most popular poem. TREES I think that I shall never seeA poem lovely as a tree. A Tree whose … Continue reading “Trees” – “Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree”
“Poetic Wednesday” Ogden Nash (1902-1971) is described as America’s “best known producer of humorous poetry.” He published over 500 short rhyming light-verse poems. The People Upstairs The people upstairs all practice balletTheir living room is a bowling alleyTheir bedroom is full of conducted tours.Their radio is louder than yours,They celebrate week-ends all the week.When they … Continue reading “The People Upstairs,” a poem about annoying neighbors by Ogden Nash
“Poetic Wednesday” Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) is the first African American to publish poetry. She was sold into slavery as a child and taken to America. Her Boston owners encouraged her education and literary talents. Her book of poetry, printed in 1773, was a success. It was praised by George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Consequently, the … Continue reading “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” a 1773 poem by slave Phillis Wheatley
"Poetic Wednesday" Our lives have been completely changed because of the positive impact of so many others. These “people of influence” include teachers, mentors, family members, church leaders, and friends. Likewise, every one of us, in some small measure, have also been a “person of influence.” “Influence” is one of my all-time favorite poems because … Continue reading “Influence” – A Little Poem About Those Who Influenced Us
"Poetic Wednesday" William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest dramatist. As an English major in college, I was required to take a full semester class on “the Bard.” I enjoyed listening to the recordings of famous actors as I followed along with the text. … Continue reading “All the World’s A Stage” – A Famous Poem About the Stages of Life by William Shakespeare
"Poetic Wednesday" Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was a popular American poet, novelist, and short story writer. His classic Civil War novel, “The Red Badge of Courage” was required reading in high school. THERE WAS A CRIMSON CLASH OF WAR There was a crimson clash of war.Lands turned black and bare;Women wept;Babes ran, wondering.There came one … Continue reading “There Was a Crimson Clash of War” – Famous Poem About the Senselessness of War
"Poetic Wednesday" Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) is an English poet of the Victorian era who was very popular in both Britain and America during her lifetime. Sonnet 43 is the most famous love poem ever written. Who hasn’t heard the beginning lines: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” However, I find … Continue reading “How Do I Love Thee?” Sonnet 43. The most famous love poem, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. “I shall love thee better after death.”
"Poetic Wednesday" Sheldon Allan “Shel” Silverstein (1930-1999) is a popular American writer known for his cartoons, novelty songs, illustrated children’s books and poetry. His books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold over 20 million copies. (I can identify with this poem because the only total relief I get from my chronic … Continue reading “Standing Is Stupid” – A Short Poem, in Praise of Lying Down, by Shel Silverstein
"Favorite Poems Wednesday" Sheldon Allan “Shel” Silverstein (1930-1999) is a popular American writer known for his cartoons, novelty songs, illustrated children’s books and poetry. His books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold over 20 million copies. Some of his children’s poems are quite profound. Some of very funny. This is one … Continue reading “Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony” – A Poem by Shel Silverstein (Never Say “No” to Your Kids)
The London Edition 