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Longfellow Serenade

There was a time, back in the Days of Yore when poetry was an art and really did sound like music that you wanted to listen to. Sometimes I go back and reflect on poems and this one that I read as a child, I still enjoy. The duality of meaning, comparing the arrow and the song, the lesson for humanity and the lovely way that it unfolds can still inspire today as it did during Longfellow’s time. You can see evidence of this in Neil Diamond’s 1974 sparkly, coral bell bottoms tribute. If you missed the 1970s and bell bottoms, then I might just have to write a fashion tribute to that. Ok, maybe not.

The Arrow and the Song

–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I shot an arrow into the air,

It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.
I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For who has sight so keen and strong,
That it can follow the flight of song?
Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.
It is a holiday weekend for those of us here in the States, so in the spirit of Longfellow, I encourage all of you to go out and enjoy some wonderful songs. I will be making my way to Medicine Park, Oklahoma for a bit of rock ‘n roll. It isn’t Texas, but only a few miles away, and yes, it will be hot and I will not be wearing bell bottoms or sparkling, but will probably wear a lot of sunscreen. Happy 4th of July for those who celebrate it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4cxotMi1lo

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  1. Jim Jim

    Neil Diamond, eh? I remember this when it first came out and yu were a twinkle in your Momma’s eye.

  2. Longfellow knew what he was doing πŸ™‚ And Neil Diamond – yup, I’m old enough to remember those days. Happy 4th – enjoy the music!

  3. A favorite poem. It is hard to separate Neil Diamond from the seventh inning stretch of the Boston Red Sox. “So good, so good, so good” Happy 4th of July! -Jennie-

  4. Oh, I remember that Longfellow poem but have not read it in years. And I remember the Neil Diamond song from 1974. Still love his older music too. Wasn’t he hot in those coral bell bottoms? You must write a tribute to them. Have a safe July 4 in Oklahoma.

    • You know I just may have to do that, can you beat 70s fashion? Ha ha. I am a Neil Diamond fan, I’ve always liked him πŸ™‚ I hope you have a safe and wonderful 4th also!

  5. What a wonderful poem! IΒ΄ve got a copy of “The Song of Hiawatha” by Longfellow somewhere lying around and will get it out and read a bit in it later, I think! Thank you for pointing me in that direction πŸ˜‰ Have a lovely weekend! xxx

  6. Wonderful poem. I love the thought/imagery of finding the song, from beginning to end, in the heart of a friend. And Neil Diamond is an all time favorite. It feels uplifting to sit with the poem and the song.

  7. A long time since I read this and lovely to be reminded of it. Just great and never knew it was put to a song! Wishing you a brilliant weekend of celebrations! Sun screen yeah! That must mean it’s sunny and warm…I’ve nearly forgotten what it’s like!

    • I really only recently realized that it was about the poet, ha ha, but I’ve always liked Neil Diamond. We are actually a bit lucky as this summer is not as hot as summers typically are, so I’m very thankful for that. I hope your weekend is going well πŸ™‚

  8. Lovely post, my friend. Have a safe and Happy Fourth — enjoy that concert and don’t forget your bug spray!!

    • Thank you Debbie, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hope you and your son have a wonderful and safe 4th also! I’ve got the bug spray packed with the sunscreen πŸ™‚

    • I agree for sure. I revisit my favorites from time to time. Thanks for visiting my blog, be sure and come back, you can critique some of my original poetry πŸ™‚

  9. I remember loving Neil Diamond and yes, to 1974! High school graduation. . . I had a few bell bottom pairs of jeans but my favorite pair was of dark brown corduroys! I have a photo of myself with a blue silk blouse and those pants, Lana!
    I am so glad you focused on the actual beautifully written Longfellow poem. <3

    • I so love that poem, that I memorized it years ago and frequently revisit and think about it. I also love the seventies (class of ’79). I’m glad you have bell bottom pics, I’m sure your grandies will get a kick out of them when they are older, who knows, they may be back in style, ha ha. I don’t think I have any bell bottom photos of myself.

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