Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Doth if not thrill thee, Poet, Dead and dust though thy art, To feel how I press thy singing Close to my heart? Published first at age thirteen, Historical stanzas Expressions of the patriot thou art Lyrics singing. Your candles nightly glowing, Great writings to impart, Signaled from the Old north Church Paul Revere’s Ride. Do you revel from above, “Poems of Slavery” roused, Oh, abolitionist, thou famed Compassion heard. The Villiage Blacksmith sweating Working his way through life, Remembers your ancestral past. Honored through time. My favorite childhood poet Sharing my same birthdate*, You crossed the decades to my youth And made me see. Where lies, now, thy influence? Embedded in my soul – Patriotic heart and poet, Grown from thy art. Ó November 19, 2011 Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen Written for Poetry Soup Member Contest: The Passionate Reader Sponsored by: Constance ~ My Dear Heart ~ See Notes: