“I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils; …”
- Daffodils by William Wordsworth
This poem about daffodils was one of the many poems I was required to memorize in my 7th-grade literature class. As a result, it became permanently etched somewhere in my brain.
While I seldom remember where I put my keys, wallet or even car - I pretty much got this daffodil poem nailed and also know why.
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils; …”
- Daffodils by William Wordsworth
This poem about daffodils was one of the many poems I was required to memorize in my 7th-grade literature class. As a result, it became permanently etched somewhere in my brain.
While I seldom remember where I put my keys, wallet or even car - I pretty much got this daffodil poem nailed and also know why.
Way back in the day, reading, writing and the memorization of poems, sonnets and speeches were part of a school’s curriculum.
And, while my fellow 7th-grade buddies spent some serious time making some serious fun of this "poem" class, I secretly couldn’t wait to hear the song-like rhythms and words that filled the room with wonder (though I carefully kept that feeling totally under lock & key).
For me, listening to the teacher recite "poetry of the people" was like dreaming in a wakeful state.
And, while my fellow 7th-grade buddies spent some serious time making some serious fun of this "poem" class, I secretly couldn’t wait to hear the song-like rhythms and words that filled the room with wonder (though I carefully kept that feeling totally under lock & key).
For me, listening to the teacher recite "poetry of the people" was like dreaming in a wakeful state.
Fast Forward: Ever since my 7th-grade literature class of so many years ago, I still eagerly wait and watch for the return of these sunny little flowers every spring.
And when they do appear ... I subconsciously find myself mumbling this poem under my breath as my inward eye looks over the faces of the flowers and my childhood friends and memories.
“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.” - Daffodils by William Wordsworth
Daffodil Alert: NOW is the time and JEFFREY WOODS is the place to see and celebrate spring with a beautiful host of golden daffodils. They are the first and most colorful addition to a thawing winter landscape.
And when they do appear ... I subconsciously find myself mumbling this poem under my breath as my inward eye looks over the faces of the flowers and my childhood friends and memories.
“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.” - Daffodils by William Wordsworth
Daffodil Alert: NOW is the time and JEFFREY WOODS is the place to see and celebrate spring with a beautiful host of golden daffodils. They are the first and most colorful addition to a thawing winter landscape.