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
Sounds like daisy Dukes are in order! What a terrific poem! Have fun!
Thanks Marissa, I sure miss air conditioning at these outdoor things 🙂
Love this! Thank you!
Your are so welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Neil Diamond, eh? I remember this when it first came out and yu were a twinkle in your Momma’s eye.
Neil Diamond, I do like some of his songs 🙂
Longfellow knew what he was doing 🙂 And Neil Diamond – yup, I’m old enough to remember those days. Happy 4th – enjoy the music!
Thanks Diana. I hope you and your family have a great holiday weekend!
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-
That poem is one of my favorites (I have several:) Neil Diamond too, yep pretty good. Happy 4th of July to you also and thanks for stopping by and commenting!
You are welcome! Happy 4th.
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 🙂 I hope you have a safe and wonderful 4th also!
What a wonderful poem! I´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 😉 Have a lovely weekend! xxx
It is a great poem for sure. I may have to look up the other one and read it also. I hope you have a nice 4th of July!
The Song of Hiawatha is a very long poem, more like an epos really – I´m sure you´ll love it! 🙂 You too have a great 4th of July! xoxo
A great poem and great song! Have a safe and fun holiday weekend! 🙂
Thank you so much. I hope you have a terrific and safe holiday weekend also!
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.
It is a great poem, and paired with Neil Diamond, even better! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and commenting 🙂
The pleasure is mine 🙂
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 🙂
A great weekend thank you – no celebrations as that but just back from visiting family for a garden party. Spoilt with good food, wine and company – perfect!
Sounds awesome 🙂
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 🙂
I enjoy poetry from all ages, but have to admit, it’s nice to have a classic, rhythmic and lovely.
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 🙂
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.
Reblogged this on Ancien Hippie.
Thanks so much!
I’m delighted to see another rhythmic poem in the Blogosphere!
Thanks so much. I’m always experimenting with form 🙂