Wednesday, April 11, 2012

A Host of Golden Daffodils

 

When I was a child, my mother would quote poetry to me my sister and me. At the time I remember thinking that it was terribly old-fashioned, but with the wisdom that comes with maturity, I now realize what a treasure mother's habit was. This was a poem she would recite. It goes so well with the daffodils that I've picked from my garden and put as a focal point on my dining room table. It seems there is something about spring that puts me in the mood for poetry. Pour yourself a cuppa tea and enjoy this verse with me!


William Wordsworth. 1770–1850
  
530. Daffodils
  
I WANDER'D 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;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,         5
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
  And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line
  Along the margin of a bay:  10
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
  Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,  15
  In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
  In vacant or in pensive mood,  20
They flash upon that inward eye
  Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.


9 comments:

  1. The former generations learned so much poetry! They had to use it somewhere. =D My grandfather knew great snatches of poetry from so many poets. It's a lost art this poetry reciting. I'm blessed to know a few nursery rhymes.

    Lovely photo of cozy domesticity.

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  2. Lovely daffo-dillies, La Tea Dah. I remember that poem, too! Thanks for sharing. Susan

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  3. Love it along with the pretty vase full of daffodils. That is great that your mom recited poetry to you. It's funny how sometimes we need to grow to appreciate some things...

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  4. My mother also loved to quote poetry, but haven't heard this one. I love the image of the dancing daffodils. Your bouquet is lovely. Right now I am picturing the dancing of fairies with my daffodils.

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  5. You know I love daffodils! Yours are wonderful. I love this poem - I have it framed, ready to hang in my little, vintage trailer named Daffodil.
    ~Adrienne~

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  6. Ahh! I memorized this one in my younger years for English class. Brings back fond memories. I love poetry including this one.

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  7. The poem is wonderful. I love poetry. My mom loved all the old nursery rhymes and made sure that my two daughters learned them too!
    Sweet.

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  8. Your pictures are always so pretty :)

    I'm so glad you stopped by to see my wish list...I'm sure there are a few more things I could add. I'll have to let my friend know about Literature Lady since she has a Nook. Thanks for the information.

    Vera Bradley does have great designs...actually too many to choose from! Just bought my daughter a new purse and lunch bag for Easter. I'd rather get for her than myself.

    One of these days I'll break down and get a Kitchen Aide Mixer...everyone I know that has one loves it.

    Susan's website is the sweetest. I just love it. Did you know that I won an autographed book from Susan Branch...it's signed and everything :) Made my day when I got the email telling me I had won it. I'm not sure that I ever did a post on it...looks like that's something to blog about in the new future. What book did you order from Susan? Would you believe that Susan Branch stopped by and commented on my Wish List?

    Thanks again for stopping by, LaDonna!

    Have a wonderful day,

    xoxo

    Kim

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  9. I love the bouquet and of course the poem. My mom did the same thing and this was one I always remember. She still has the anthology she read from at bedtime.

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Thank you for commenting on my blog post. I am always happy to hear from blog readers. Your words encourage and inspire me. I am glad you stopped by to share conversation, recipes, ideas, and thoughts on creating a welcoming home.