A Ballad of Heaven
A Ballad of Heaven :
He wrought at one great work for years ;
The world passed by with lofty look;
Sometimes his eyes were dashed with tears ;
Sometimes his lips with laughter shook.
His wife and child went clothed in rags,
And in a windy garret starved ;
He trod his measure on the flags,
And high on heaven his music carved.
Wistful he grew but never feared ;
For always on the midnight skies
His rich orchestral score appeared
In stars and zones and galaxies.
He thought to copy down his score ;
The moonlight was his lamp; he said,
‘Listen my love,’ but on the floor
His wife and child were lying dead.
John Davidson
The word POETRY originates from a Greek word meaning TO MAKE. A poet is thus a maker and the poem something that is made or created. No single definition of poetry is possible but some characteristic features of poetry may be mentioned. Poetry has a musical quality with rhythm, pitch, metre and it may use figures of speech such as simile and metaphor. While quite a few poems in this selection are in traditional forms, the unit also includes modern poems that are free from formal restrictions.
Here is a list of English Poems written by various authors. Whatever the question is, poetry may be the answer. Writers say poetry provides them with comfort, a way to express themselves and the discipline of finding the essence with few words. Writing the poem (and finding just the right word) is the measure of success that the authors use. Really good poetry is instinctive. It’s who you are. It’s from the heart. You need to expose yourself to all kinds of poets and you may find your motivation and muse that way. Poetry gets to the core meaning. Poetry expands ideas.
