#ClassicPoetry – #ChristmasBells – #HenryWadsworthLongfellow

/ Marcia Meara

 

Haven’t shared a classic poem in some time, so I thought I’d better make up for that by sharing one today. Since the season is upon us, I figured I’d go with a beautiful Christmas poem. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Christmas Bells
HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW (1807 – 1882)

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
    And wild and sweet
    The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
    Had rolled along
    The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
    A voice, a chime,
    A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
    And with the sound
    The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
    And made forlorn
    The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
    “For hate is strong,
    And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
    The Wrong shall fail,
    The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine—then still part of Massachusetts—on February 27, 1807, the second son in a family of eight children. His mother, Zilpah Wadsworth, was the daughter of a Revolutionary War hero. His father, Stephen Longfellow, was a prominent Portland lawyer and later a member of Congress.

More About Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: America's No. 1 Literary ...

Hope you enjoyed this beautiful poem by Longfellow.
Here’s wishing you a Truly Wonderful Christmas!

44 thoughts on “#ClassicPoetry – #ChristmasBells – #HenryWadsworthLongfellow”

    • Longfellow at his best, Trish, and I agree about how powerful this piece is. I’m glad it gave you both goosebumps and hope, and I appreciate your taking the time to let me know. Happy Holidays, filled with peace on earth and good-will to men! 🤗🎄🤗

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    • I can never decide if I prefer to read this one or hear it sung. Both treatments are beautiful, aren’t they? (But I do think the song has the edge, especially at this time of year.) Glad you enjoyed it, Priscilla, and thanks so much for stopping by to let me know. Happy Holidays!
      🤗🎄🤗

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    • Glad you enjoyed it, Gwen, and I do think having these words echoing in our heads is a step up from so many of the things we hear of late. A nice change, anyway. Thanks so much for dropping in and taking a moment to let me know you agree with me that this is definitely a masterpiece. Happy Holidays! 🤗🎄🤗

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    • Nope, not yet, but I like to think we are still working on it. Maybe one day! In the meantime, I’m glad you enjoyed the poem/carol, and I’m wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season! Thanks for stopping by, Sally! 🤗🎄🤗

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    • So glad you enjoyed it, Denise. It’s always been a favorite poem and carol of mine, too. And the message is one we can all stand to be reminded of from time to time, as well. Thanks so much for stopping by and here’s wishing you a Happy Holiday season!
      🤗🎄🤗

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    • I’m happy to have introduced you to the entire poem, Janet, and yes, it is as relevant now as it was when Longfellow wrote it. Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks so much for stopping by today to let me know. Here’s to a wonderful holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!
      🤗🎄🤗

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