Just last week, after discussing the joy of small things, I received a message from my friend Alex Ronan. “I stumbled upon this Donald Hall poem last week,” she mentioned. Knowing that many of you appreciate poetry, I figured I’d share it here as well.
Summer Kitchen
by Donald Hall
In the bright light of June she stood at the sink
With a glass of wine,
Listening for the bobolink,
And crushed garlic in the afternoon sun.
I observed her cooking, from my seat.
She pressed her lips
Together, reached for utensils,
And tasted sauce with her fingertips.
“It’s ready now. Come on,” she said.
“You light the candle.”
We dined, conversed, and went to sleep,
And slumbered. It was a wonder.
How lovely is that? What poems resonate with you? I would absolutely love to know.
P.S. More poetry:
* Kate Baer’s poetry about motherhood brings me laughter and tears
* This poem is incredibly romantic
* My grandmother reciting Shakespeare
* This parenting poem left me breathless
* Poetry has the power to transform your life, no big deal
(Photo by Aubrey Odom/Unsplash.)
**Title: The Everlasting Charm of Romantic Poetry**
Romantic poetry has long been a beloved means of expression, encapsulating the spirit of love and the multitude of feelings it inspires. From the fervent sonnets of Shakespeare to the melodic verses of Keats, romantic poetry defies time, providing readers with insights into the profound depths of human emotion and the splendor of connection.
**The Roots of Romantic Poetry**
Romantic poetry emerged as a unique genre during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a time recognized as the Romantic Era. This movement was marked by a focus on emotion, nature, and individualism, often reacting against the industrial revolution and the reasoned thought of the Enlightenment. Poets aimed to explore the intricacies of the human heart, lauding love in its various manifestations—be it fervent, unreturned, or everlasting.
**Themes and Traits**
Romantic poetry frequently explores themes of love, beauty, nature, and the sublime. It celebrates the fervor of emotion and the deep connections between people. The language used is generally rich and expressive, featuring vivid imagery and metaphor to convey emotional depth. Nature often serves as a setting for romantic moments, symbolizing purity and the timeless cycle of life and love.
**Prominent Romantic Poets**
Numerous poets have become closely associated with romantic poetry, each adding their distinct voice to the genre:
– **William Wordsworth**: Acknowledged for his profound admiration of nature, Wordsworth’s poetry frequently blends themes of love and the natural world, as seen in his well-known piece “She Dwelt Among the Untrodden Ways.”
– **John Keats**: Celebrated for his vivid and sensual imagery, Keats’ poetry, like “Bright Star,” encapsulates the beauty and fleeting nature of love.
– **Percy Bysshe Shelley**: Shelley’s passionate and idealistic lines, such as “Love’s Philosophy,” examine the interconnectedness of all entities and the spiritual dimensions of love.
– **Elizabeth Barrett Browning**: Her “Sonnets from the Portuguese” exemplify the strength of love, conveying profound affection and loyalty.
**The Timeless Appeal**
Romantic poetry still resonates with contemporary readers, providing comfort and inspiration in a rapidly changing world. Its enduring themes of love and beauty remind us of the significance of emotional bonds and the lasting influence of written words. Whether through the examination of unreciprocated love or the celebration of a lifelong romance, romantic poetry addresses the universal human experience, inviting us to contemplate our own relationships and the beauty around us.
In summary, romantic poetry endures as a vital and treasured form of artistic expression. Its capacity to capture the core of love and elicit deep emotions guarantees its place in the literary landscape, inspiring future generations.
