~I heard the bells on Christmas Day~
American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow first wrote the poem on Christmas Day in 1863.Coupled with the recent loss of his wife Frances, who died as a result of an accidental fire, and his oldest son who was wounded in battle, Longfellow was inspired to write "Christmas Bells". The carol concludes with the bells carrying renewed hope for peace among mankind.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
- and wild and sweet
- The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
- Had rolled along
- The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
- A voice, a chime,
- A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
- And with the sound
- The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
- And made forlorn
- The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
- "For hate is strong,
- And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
- The Wrong shall fail,
- The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
I love digging in to the history of things~
Blessings for a great day ~Sara
Morning Sara, wonderful warm post, enjoyed, Francine.
ReplyDeleteOh I have always loved this son. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteBlessings this holiday season,
Karen
Beautiful post! Thanks so much for sharing.Christmas Blessings,Jen
ReplyDeleteSara, I love your sign, and your posts are always an inspiration to me. hugs, Lecia
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite songs and I learned something! Have a great day Sara!
ReplyDeleteBe blessed,
Cindi