I was listening to someone reading 'The Charge of the Light Brigade.' I think what surprised me most is that I am vaguely familiar with pieces/parts of this poem. 'Canons to the right.' 'Theirs not to reason why.' I didn't know these came from this poem.
We are fortunate, in this age of the internet, to be able to hear the poet himself read his piece. It's superb. http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoem.do?poemId=1570
I remember being terribly fond of the 'Wreck of the Hesperus.' Such a melancholic poem, perfect for an impressionable lass. I remember Anne, of Green Gables, recited it in the TV adaptation. I was so stirred to joy to hear an old favorite read.
I don't know enough. When I hear things like this, I think, 'I want to read more. I want to know more. I want to live more.' It becomes a hunger deep in my belly. Sadly, or thankfully, it gradually subsides and I go back to being housewife and mother and such. But a part of me never forgets. And as another wave of want sweeps over me, I wonder if this need to learn will ever go away. I hope not. And I hope it passes on to my family.
Life is deeply felt.
My sister is fond of quoting the young college co-ed who was heard to say, "I don't know why everyone likes this Shakespeare guy. It's just a bunch of cliches strung together." :-)
ReplyDeleteI was blessed, as a youngster, but didn't know it. My dad made us read Shakespeare at the dining room table. We'd each take a part. It was fun. I am sad to say I didn't do that with my own children.
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