''Silver''
This way, and that, she peers, and sees
Silver fruit upon silver trees;
One by one the casements catch
Her beams beneath the silvery thatch;
Couched in his kennel, like a log,
With paws of silver sleeps the dog;
From their shadowy cote the white breasts peep
Of doves in silver feathered sleep
A harvest mouse goes scampering by,
With silver claws, and silver eye;
And moveless fish in the water gleam,
By silver reeds in a silver stream. "
"Slowly silently now the moon
Walks the night in her silver shoon;This way, and that, she peers, and sees
Silver fruit upon silver trees;
One by one the casements catch
Her beams beneath the silvery thatch;
Couched in his kennel, like a log,
With paws of silver sleeps the dog;
From their shadowy cote the white breasts peep
Of doves in silver feathered sleep
A harvest mouse goes scampering by,
With silver claws, and silver eye;
And moveless fish in the water gleam,
By silver reeds in a silver stream. "
~ Walter De La Mere 1873 - 1956
This poem has a special place in my heart. I was one of those children who had the experience of being taught by their father. This took place in the last year of primary school and we both have mixed feelings about it. I think that it was hard on both of us. However it hard its advantages too as I certainly had an excellent teacher with a love of poetry. I remember Dad saying that if you learn a poem at the age of eleven you will know it for life. Wise words !
Other July muses can be enjoyed over at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago hosted by Carolyn Gail.
One of my favorites -
ReplyDeleteLovely to read it just now.
thank you.
K
What a lovely poem and illustration.
ReplyDeleteDo go to RHS Wisley when you next visit with your sister it is a really wonderful place something for every garden taste and more. I will be posting a few more photos from my visit but they do not do justice to the gardens, in fact I came home and ordered a better camera after talking with a photographer who was taking arial photos of the small gardens. I do hope it arrives before next week's RHS Hampton Court Flower show.
Anna, I love your comment about learning a poem at the age of eleven and you will know it for life. That's so very true for me. Same with prayers although now I prefer to make up my own prayers. Very lovely post.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna
ReplyDeletePerfect illustration to accompany the poem
Rob
All the French I know, including two songs, I learned in 9th grade at age 13. I can imagine it would have its pros and cons to be in a class taught by one's parent!
ReplyDeleteI love that poem. I home-educated my own children for a couple of years and we did lots of poetry and this was a firm favourite! Val
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen that poem in years. Thank you for posting it. I absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, so nice to find your blog and thanks for your comments on mine. Emma
ReplyDelete