Holidays by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Holidays

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The holiest of all holidays are those

    Kept by ourselves in silence and apart;

    The secret anniversaries of the heart,

    When the full river of feeling overflows;—

The happy days unclouded to their close;

    The sudden joys that out of darkness start

    As flames from ashes; swift desires that dart

    Like swallows singing down each wind that blows!

White as the gleam of a receding sail,

    White as a cloud that floats and fades in air,

    White as the whitest lily on a stream,

These tender memories are;— a Fairy Tale

    Of some enchanted land we know not where,

    But lovely as a landscape in a dream.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poems are characterized by their flowing and melodic verse, rich imagery, and timeless themes of love, loss, and human experience. His poems often draw inspiration from classical literature, mythology, and historical events, providing readers with a tapestry of emotions and reflections on life. Longfellow's poetic style is both elegant and accessible. As one of America's most beloved poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow drew upon a diverse range of influences, from his travels in Europe to his scholarly pursuits in languages and literature, and his deep understanding of the human condition and commitment to preserving and celebrating the beauty of language