ATatnall

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
// What the Heart of the Young Man Said to the Psalmist //

Tell me not, in mournful numbers, "Life is but an empty dream!" For the soul is dead that slumbers, And thing are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; "Dust thou art, to dust returnest," Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each tomorrow Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting, And our hearts, though stout and brave, Still, like muffled drums, are beating Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world's broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle; Be a hero in the strife!

Thrust no Future, howe'er pleasant! Let the dead Past bury its dead! Act - act in the living Present! Heart within and God o'erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o'er life's solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us then be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait. media type="youtube" key="YGNuPCFdIys" height="290" width="353" align="center"

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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem that relates to life on earth versus the afterlife. The Title “Psalm of Life” not only refers to Longfellow’s urge for people not to waste our time but to live a life full of purpose and meaning, being a hero in the “time of strife,” but for the most part reassures us that there is life after we die. In his line, “And the grave is not its goal,” simply means that our life here on earth does not end in death, but rather a chance at more life. He encourages us to “act, that each tomorrow find us farther than to-day,” and to “act in the living Present.” One of the most important lines in the poem, as it directly relates to Longfellow himself, is his line about art. “Art is long, and Time is fleeting,  And our hearts, though stout and brave,  Still, like muffled drums, are beating Funeral marches to the grave.” In writing his poems, I am sure that Longfellow intended to leave something behind after he left this world. Though there is only so much time to “leave behind us footprints in the sands of time,” Longfellow believes that the art we create, whether musical, verbal, or visual, can withstand our death and create a sense of eternal life not only in Heaven, but on earth.

What is ironic is that he emphasizes leaving a meaningful past after we die, but to not live in the past and to “Let the dead Past bury its dead!” This is very reminiscent of Matthew 8:22, when Jesus tells one of his disciples to leave his unburied father behind, follow him, and “let the dead bury their own dead.” In this verse, Jesus is indicating that the dead are not actually dead, but instead their spirits and all that we were to honor in their life has continued on into Heaven. With Longfellow, he writes that the dead past bury its dead because we must live a life thinking about the promise of tomorrow, or the eternal life we received in Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. It is interesting to see that Longfellow’s “Psalm of Life” not only refers to life itself, and the meaning that comes from doing as opposed to waiting, but also to the life that follows and the traces of that well-lived life that are left behind.  But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

I CARRY MY HEART media type="youtube" key="UQrUfEBjCW4" height="344" width="425" []

"I Carry Your Heart" by Michael Hedges, from his album //Taproot//

 i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true) and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) 

by e.e. cummings //** 
 * // i carry your heart

E.E. Cummings' famous love poem "I Carry Your Heart," seems to stand apart from many of the other poets mentioned. His work is different in both it's format and content. Cummings uses grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure in a way that defies the typical nature of writing. It almost appears as a sonnet due to it's length and stanzas; however, I believe Cummings used this technique to break up the verses to emphasize each line and to serve as a way for readers to emulate the exact language, tone, and pauses that Cummings himself would have rehearsed in the poem. The insertion of parenthesis, spacing, and lack of punctuation make the poem more interesting and almost fulfill the need for a poem to be ambiguous, if not slightly confusing, as many are. Because the content is fairly easy to interpret, Cummings may have used his sense of style to set his work apart from other love poems of his time.

One area of ambiguity for me would be the narrator and audience of the poem. He frequently uses references such as "my dear," "my darling," "my sweet," and "my true." Based on this, one could assume that the poem is in fact a love poem from a lover to his or her romantic mate; however, I think there is room for personal interpretation of this poem. In the 2005 film, //In Her Shoes, Maggie (Cameron Diaz) recites the poem to her sister, Rose (Toni Collete), on her wedding day as a way to express her sisterly love and admiration for her sister. The words, "I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)," resonate as she professes how influential and dear her sister is to her, claiming that she is her "fate" and her "world" ([]). Therefore, I think that the ambiguity with this poem is not directly in the content, but rather who is on the receiving end of the poem. Cummings allows his poem to be enjoyed by all peoples, not just a romantic couple professing their love on their wedding day, or a mother comforting a child. Singer/Songwriter Michael Hedges chose to interpret the poem as a love song, creating his own song from the very words of the poem. //  "I Carry Your Heart" by Michael Hedges, from his album //Taproot //

**I, too, sing America.** = =

 //I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.

Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then.

Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.//

** By Langston Hughes ** 
 * // I, Too, sing America //** 

(Including a clip from “The Great Debaters” video)

Growing up in the 1920s, African Americans experienced a time of struggle as they fought against the typical white American lifestyle and sought out their own identity. During this search for meaning and purpose, many African Americans turned to the arts, through both music and writing. Langston Hughes was one of the forerunners in this Harlem Renaissance, as he expressed the lives of African Americans as they truly were. Hughes’ 1925 poem, "I, Too, sing America,//" is a testimony to African Americans’ attempt to find equality in America. He opens with the barefaced statement, “I am the darker brother.” Immediately Hughes’ proudly recognizes himself as an African American living in a land that is segregated by skin color. The majority of the poem discusses how the narrator, presumably Hughes’ himself, is told to eat in the kitchen apart from the rest of the “company.” // He then makes several statements referring to the strength he will gain from eating in the kitchen, and that one day the company that excused him into the kitchen will see his beauty and be ashamed.

Looking at his poem from the stance of a 1920s African American, it is evident that Hughes is using his voice to encourage pride and strength among his fellow “darker brothers,” while inspiring a sense of hope and a future for the success of African Americans in finding their own identity, as well as the national embrace of this identity. When he writes, “They send me to eat in the kitchen / when company comes, / but I laugh, / and eat well, / and grow strong,” he is instilling a sense of tolerance but pride, in that, while the narrator does not accept that he should be moved into the kitchen, he embraces that he will become stronger through it, and others will soon see the strength and beauty in such pride and be “ashamed” of the way they have treated him. He finishes with the famous line, “I, Too, am America,” meaning that this place so many people call home is not defined by one lifestyle or color of skin, but rather a common desire to find a purpose and a sense of place in a nation. It becomes Hughes’ ode to African Americans to prove to the nation that they also define America.

Additionally, this poem was a huge influence in the 2007 film, “The Great Debaters,” as Denzel Washington, playing the true-life character Melvin B. Tolson, inspires his African American debate team to “find [their] strength,” as they compete against White Americans in a time where no such thing was heard of.  [] media type="youtube" key="hlKBOD64OQc" height="344" width="425"

//"MIRACLES"

WHY! who makes much of a miracle? As to me, I know of nothing else but miracles, Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan, Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky, Or wade with naked feet along the beach, just in the edge of the water, Or stand under trees in the woods, Or talk by day with any one I love-or sleep in the bed at night with any one I love, Or sit at table at dinner with my mother, Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car, Or watch honey-bees busy around the hive, of a summer forenoon, Or animals feeding in the fields, Or birds-or the wonderfulness of insects in the air, Or the wonderfulness of the sun-down-or of stars shining so quiet and bright, Or the exquisite, delicate, thin curve of the new moon in spring; Or whether I go among those I like best, and that like me best-mechanics, boatmen, farmers, Or among the savans-or to the soiree-or to the opera, Or stand a long while looking at the movements of machinery, Or behold children at their sports, Or the admirable sight of the perfect old man, or the perfect old woman, Or the sick in hospitals, or the dead carried to burial, Or my own eyes and figure in the glass; These, with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles, The whole referring-yet each distinct, and in its place.//   <span style="color: #4f0303; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;"> <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.3px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.53px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">// To me, every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, Every cubic inch of space is a miracle, Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same, Every foot of the interior swarms with the same; Every spear of grass-the frames, limbs, organs, of men and women, and all that concerns them, All these to me are unspeakably perfect miracles. //

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.53px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">// To me the sea is a continual miracle; The fishes that swim-the rocks-the motion of the waves-the ships, with men in them, What stranger miracles are there? // <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">

<span style="color: #4f0303; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: center;"> "Miracle" by John David Webster, from his album //Made To Shine//.

//** Miracles **// <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">** By Walt Whitman ** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> In his poem “Miracles,” Walt Whitman begins with the curious statement, “WHY! Who makes much of a miracle?” This single line introduces the idea that miracles are a peculiar occurrence, and for many, a fairly rare occurrence; however, Whitman assures the reader that miracles can be found in nearly everything.He proceeds to discuss various events and happenings in nature, such as the “trees in the woods,” “honey-bees busy around the hive,” “animals feeding in the woods,” grass, organs, the human body, and so forth. Additionally, even the simplest things as a stranger in the car beside him, or dinner with his own mother are taken for miracles. The lines “These, with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles, / The whole referring- yet each distinct, in its place… / All these to me are unspeakably perfect miracles… / What stranger miracles are there?” all portray a sense of deep thought and appreciation for all aspects of life. Whitman clearly understands that each element of the earth, whether sun and moon, blossoming flowers, or the continuum of the ocean are all miracles. This view varies from what many would take as a true miracle. Explaining the term “miracle” in a Biblical or old-world sense might leave one to interpret it differently, as a healing miracle or a sign from God. Whitman, on the other hand, has chosen to view every God-given thing as a miracle, no matter how small or insignificant the rest of the world may see it. He takes on a profound understanding of a world that truly is filled with tiny, individual miracles that come together to create much more significant and astounding miracles, such as the birth of a child.

After reading this poem, I was reminded of a song by John David Webster. Webster states that God’s beauty speaks in thousands of ways, and is “truly amazing, like a miracle.” The chorus is very reminiscent of Whitman’s poem, as he describes miracles as “the sun that shines in the sky…the sound of the ocean’s tide… in this gentle breeze tonight.” The song epitomizes Whitman’s conclusion that miracles are found in many different incidences. This song also describes that one’s views and interpretations change as they look at the world as part of a handcrafted and perfect design created by the hands of God the Creator. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">

<span style="color: #910808; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%; text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #800080; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">We make ourselves a place apart Behind light words that tease and flout, But oh, the agitated heart Till someone find us really out.
 * REVELATION**

'Tis pity if the case require (Or so we say) that in the end We speak the literal to inspire The understanding of a friend.

But so with all, from babes that play At hide-and-seek to God afar, So all who hide too well away Must speak and tell us where they are. //**Revelation**//


 * By Robert Frost**

Robert Frost’s poem “Revelation” describes the mystery of hiding and seeking, whether literally, as with “babes that play” hide and seek, or others finding us out through the words we speak. In the first stanza, Frost may be referring to how we set ourselves apart from each other by our different personas. “We make ourselves a apart.” He continues with, “Behind the words that tease and flout,” which means that we hide our true selves behind words that do not necessarily give away who we really are. For the first two stanzas, Frost is strictly writing about each person and how they portray themselves toward perhaps a friend. He almost seems to dislike the fact that people settle for the “literal” in order to help a friend gain understanding, as opposed to leaving room for the friend to seek him or her out. Continuing to the third and final stanza, God is mentioned after describing the game of hide-and-seek that children play. While one interpretation of this poem may view Frost’s work as a different look at revealing oneself to another person as they get to know each other, it can also be attributed to revelation from God. Going back to the game of hide-and-seek, a good hider is usually never found by the seeker. Instead, the seeker tends to give up on his or her seeking, leaving the hider no choice but to reveal himself. In this instance, the hider gives away his secrets and the seeker has nothing more to seek out. For Frost, this might mean that when we are literal and completely open with each other, we leave no room for seeking. Each person already knows everything about the other without making any effort, leaving them with nothing else to gain or to know. In reference to God, God is the hider, and we are seeking him. He hides himself behind struggles, victories, creation, words, dreams, and much more. As we seek him in all we do, we grow closer to him. He hides himself in a way that we must seek him continually and in everything, but not in way that causes us to give up searching for him. The revelation comes from finding out the desires in God’s heart and the purpose he has for each of his children. He ultimately “hides” himself behind these things so that the dedicated seeker can be blessed with the gift of revelation.

Below is a personal revelation that God revealed to me after I sought him.

<span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">"BOUNTY VS. GENERIC" <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> So in my attempt to preoccupy myself at work (family codes and spread sheets just weren't cutting it today), God decided he would use my time a little, well, a LOT, more wisely. As I fumbled around my cluttered desk, I realized I had not thrown out my cup of tea from this morning. I hadn't finished it completely, but I was in no mood to get up and pour it down the sink. Instead I took a paper towel that was conveniently placed beneath the cup and thought, "well, maybe I can just soak it up." I proceeded to place the thin paper towel in the cup to absorb what was left.

For some reason, I refrained from throwing it away immediately. Taking the styrofoam cup in my hand, I watched as the tea quickly diminished as it was literally sucked up by the paper towel. Within minutes it was gone, and all that remained was a tea-soaked towel, contently holding the lukewarm liquid in its fibers. I suppose you could say that is the purpose of a paper towel. I mean think about the commercial, "Bounty, the quicker picker-upper. BOUNTY!" The fact that it was an insubstantial generic paper towel made me think a Bounty paper towel could handle a whole lot more.

My mind started to wander as it often does... First, I observed the interaction between the tea and the paper towel; then, I reflected on how paper towels are made differently in order to withstand more, or to absorb more. I paused my observations to think and possibly ask, "God, what am I doing contemplating the properties of a paper towel!? Is this seriously what I come up with to procrastinate?" I imagine God laughed a little at the mere fact that I had no idea what He was trying to show me.

So we have this paper towel that has been dipped into the tea. Before I get into my side of things, let me ask you this: If you were to take 10 minutes out of your day to observe a paper towel in a cup of liquid, what would you get? I want you to think about the correlation before I go into the revelation with which God hit me.

Keep thinking...

I'm sure you've come up with something either really weird, or really good. What I got was really good. (Props to the Good Lord for that one.)

Here it goes:

What if God wants us to be like a paper towel? But not just any paper towel, like the most expensive or best quality paper towel. In this case, I decided to stick with Bounty. You might be thinking, "Ok, great. God wants us to know we have great quality and worth, unlike the flimsy and shoddy quality of a generic brand paper towel." Well that's nice and all, but this is what He wanted me to consider. What if God wants us to be like nicely quilted, fluffy, absorbent paper towels so that when we are dipped in the water, we soak it in and retain it? Not just become wet from the water, but actually suck it up into the particles and fibers where it will stay unless wrung out.

All too often we dip our toes in the water just to get enough to quench our thirst at the present moment. If we need a little pick me up after a tough day, we have no problem taking in just enough to "whet" our need for His love, or even worse, His grace and mercy. We take a dip and then hit the road until we need another dose. Is that truly why God made us the Bounty of paper towels? So that we can barely even make use of ourselves and literally remain unchanged after coming in contact with such a small amount of water? Sounds like a generic brand would be more fitting...

God doesn't want us to dip our corners in Him only to take in a little, maybe experiencing a slight difference that lasts until we're dry again and back to normal; He wants us to dip our toes in Him and come out completely filled, drenched with Him. To the point where we are changed forever. So filled that even the toughest, most expensive brand of paper towel would literally fall apart if the water were to be wrung out of it. So filled that there is nothing left of us, no room for anything else, except that which contains the water. So why is it that we settle to be the generic brand, taking in the bare minimum, when God has clearly equipped us to hold an entire cup of the water?

Moreover, while we consider God's grace, love, and mercy as rewards or gifts for our submission and devotion to Him, isn't it fair to say that He also considers us His bounty? We are His prized possessions. Our purpose is to love Him, to know Him, and to not be apart from Him. He wants us to be filled with Him from head-to-toe, corner-to-corner, because we are so cherished by Him. HIS BOUNTY. BOUNTY. Wow, it still gets me... <span style="color: #910808; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%; text-align: center;">