Stars and the Soul — by Henry Van Dyke
To Charles Young, Astronomer
Henry Van Dyke – Poem Hunter. “Stars And The Soul Poem.” Poemhunter.com. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.
labeled for reuse:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Astronomy_Amateur_3_V2.jpg
“Two things,” the wise man said, “fill me with awe:
The starry heavens and the moral law.”
Nay, add another wonder to thy roll, —
The living marvel of the human soul!
Born in the dust and cradled in the dark,
It feels the fire of an immortal spark,
And learns to read, with patient, searching eyes,
The splendid secret of the unconscious skies.
For God thought Light before He spoke the word;
The darkness understood not, though it heard:
But man looks up to where the planets swim,
And thinks God’s thoughts of glory after Him.
What knows the star that guides the sailor’s way,
Or lights the lover’s bower with liquid ray,
Of toil and passion, danger and distress,
Brave hope, true love, and utter faithfulness?
But human hearts that suffer good and ill,
And hold to virtue with a loyal will,
Adorn the law that rules our mortal strife
With star-surpassing victories of life.
So take our thanks, dear reader of the skies,
Devout astronomer, most humbly wise,
For lessons brighter than the stars can give,
And inward light that helps us all to live.
The world has brought the laurel-leaves to crown
The star-discoverer’s name with high renown;
Accept the flower of love we lay with these
For influence sweeter than the Pleiades!
Self connection:
Reading this poem seems like the author is talking to me, because my big dream is to become an astronomer, and this it is written for all space lovers. I can definitely feel the importance of cosmic, as well as the hope of space.
In Praise of Penguins — by Robin Bernard
“Penguin Poems.” Penguin Poems. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.
by madhatter-penguin
http://www.deviantart.com/art/A-penguin-with-a-hat-7832985
These funny birds in fancy clothes
may waddle in the snow,
but when they reach the icy sea
Just watch how fast they go!
Their song sounds like a donkey’s bray,
they cannot soar or fly,
yet penguins manage very well,
and let me tell you why . . .
Their feathers keep out water,
their blubber keeps out cold,
their wings make perfect paddles
because they do not fold!
their tails are good for steering,
they brake with both their feet –
So tell me now, from all you’ve heard . . .
Aren’t penguins NEAT?
Self connection:
Penguin is my favorite animal. I especially love the description of them, they are the most beautiful and unique bird. I also like the tone of this poem, cute and funny, fits me very well.