The Power of Poetry

Mother had an amazing memory. She memorized “Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, fourteen stanzas of varying lengths, and she would perform it at Family Reunions and church functions. She taught her children through stories, poetry, and books, passing on a legacy from her childhood. She understood the personalities of her children, being sure we each developed our talents. Mine was reading. I loved the first book of poems I received from Santa and remember with delight. In it was one of my favorite poems,Trees by Joyce Kilmer, “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree. ... A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray ...”