We are beginning a new unit of study in English Language Arts this week – poetry! Going through this new unit I discovered a poem by Emily Dickenson – Autumn. And that reminded me of something Adrien shared with me long ago.

You see, you can sing almost every Emily Dickenson poem to “The Yellow Rose of Texas”. Try it. These folks did: Sing-a-Long-With-Emily. Still not a believer? Here’s another:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers

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“Hope” is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—

And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—
And sore must be the storm—
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm—

I’ve heard it in the chillest land—
And on the strangest Sea—
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.

Emily Dickinson
More serious analysts of literature will tell you that the meter of Dickenson’s poetry is common meter – the same rhythmic pattern used in hymns. But for me, the Yellow Rose is indelibly etched into my head every time I try to read Dickenson. And now I dare you to get it out of your head as well.
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One response to “Poetry…. a little silly”

  1. Frank Winters Avatar

    Nope. I must be immune to the Yellow Rose even tho I bought the Mitch Miller record when I was about 12. I hope you can read Emily’s poetry without sounding like a Texas Cowboy! Her music is what I can’t get out of my mind.

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