Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is one rare American poet who was famous while he was alive. So many ‘artist’s’ talent is only recognized after their passing. He was born in 1807 on the American east coast and passed in 1882 still in that part of the country. Longfellow wrote with emotion composing many lyric poems known for their musicality, presenting stories familiar to the times. No wonder his beautiful Christmas poem, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”, was set to music by J. Baptiste Calkin. I play a little piano and this song is my favorite of the season because it is so true today. Here goes:
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peach on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had roll’d along th’un broken song Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bow’d 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 pre-vail, With 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.”
If you know the tune you should try singing it. The fourth stanza is the strongest with ‘God is not dead, nor doth he sleep’. This is a message for today from a man who suffered so much with the early loss of his wife and losing a baby. Over a hundred years ago he still stands by the presence and action of God. Suffering is a thing we cannot negotiate so knowing that God sees us, Matt 9:37-38, is still the answer. Merry Christmas Carol, Henry.
