A Different Kind of Music

A Thing Of Beauty~ John Keats

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its lovliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

I had such a treat last night. We were invited to our friends' house for dinner. My friend has been reading the poetry of Keats with her children. After dinner, I was honored to have her read the above poem to me. My friend has such a pleasant, soothing voice. It was lovely! She told me about some of the other Keats "resources" they have been using. Bright Star is the movie documenting Keats' life. Very moving and romantic. This book is very good for introducing Keats to children. I am checking it out from our local library. Don't forget to weave poetry into your day. Poetry is music!