The Old Apple Tree

[zooyorkk]

I'm curious why you haven't read poetry in so long. Many people seem so grateful for what you have put on your channel. Your unique voice is rare gift. I think you should share it with us more often. Although, I understand complications in your personal life may inhibit you.

[RozieBud10123]

i am glad you choose when you want to do this instead of feeling you need to do this for you vewiers ....I think you are just magnificent i dont have any thing bad to say whenever i hear you voice ..so once again thankyou. :)

[20bientje]

love it i cant say more

[11kikay05]

saan po yun alphabet song (characteristics) example a-your so ADDORABLE.

[shadowmario1000]

Urgelt, do yu take requests? because theres this poem ive been trying to hear/find, but yeah, on the internet, GOD FORBID theres a decent strand of literature.

[Urgelt]

I don't take requests, Mario. This channel isn't even active, really. I don't know when I might return to making videos. Not soon, certainly.

YouTube is all about self-help, anyway. If there is content you want to see here, create it. :-)

[imlegalized]

dude sir urgelt. just wanted to say that this is helping me get through problems with my chick thanks

[Urgelt]

Good to hear, IL.

If you'd like advice from an old fart, think of her as a human and a woman, not a "chick." Just sayin'. It might help with those problems you mentioned.

[fallingzeppelin69]

this makes me not want to get older and enjoy my time now.

thank you

[Urgelt]

By all means, enjoy your time now.

You can't avoid getting older. But you will not regret making the most of every day you're alive.

[Caty25cat]

superb! thank you!

[JLewis04210]

best video on youtube now. If download was enabled for this video, i would buy it in a heartbeat

[Urgelt]

Grab Firefox, add the Firefox extension Video Downloader, let the video load, then you can grab it.

Alternatively, if you send me your e-mail address via YouTube mail and remind me what you want, I'll send you an .mpg file of the sound track. That's actually a bit better option because the .mpg is cleaned up a bit.

All of my videos and sound tracks are copyrighted under the Creative Commons, and may be used for personal noncommercial uses, for free.

[JLewis04210]

great, ill send u my email, thanks mate!

[aitruita]

u can have SO much fun ... with me y

[jamerstar94]

beautiful!!!!!!:)]

i love story telling its really nice.:)

[SAMUELREECE]

Hello Urgelt:

I would like to use your recital of "The Old Apple Tree" for a commercial documentary that I am finishing up on Paul Laurence Dunbar. Please contact me so that I can receive this permission from you. I will need a DVD of the recital. In exchange for permission to use the video, I will give you a film credit and a licensing fee to use this excellent recital of Dunbar's "The Old Apple Tree". Thanks for your anticipated prompt response to this email.

Sam

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Dasia, I'm glad you liked it, in spite of the primitive voice recording. Heh, a digital camera's built-in mic isn't the best way to do these things.

[palcsi]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you!

[Urgelt]

Thanks, palcsi.

[Willtheaceofbass]

have you ever thought of writing your own poems?

judging by your replies to comments, and essays. I'd say you'd be pretty good :)

[Urgelt]

I did present a poem of my own in "Introducing Urgelt."

Most of the poetry I've written over the years was sent to the dumpster, though. I don't have the sort of talent that would stand up to the masters.

[decay789]

@Urgelt to the dumpster? well at least u had practice and the flow of your innards is easier i suppose.

but dont say that.

about the masters. dont limit yourself.

eh yeah. . well thx.

[RavingRendal]

*chuckles* Man listening to the sounds of the birds and the music is making me sleepy. I would say you should put a warning on this as not safe for work but eh...let them catch a nap if they need it that bad :)

[Urgelt]

Heh, you're right. But then, YouTube in general is "NSFW." :P

[RavingRendal]

Very True. YouTube does have some fun stuff though the sheer addictiveness (I can't believe I spelled that right) of it is bad for work.

[adamselstarr]

awsome music and poem

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Adam.

[buyable]

Dig the instrumental, and of course the poem. Nice job.

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Buyable.

[Apadamek]

Thank you urgelt, i listen to this every night before i go to sleep, it helps me quite a bit. Thank you.

[Urgelt]

I'm glad, Apadamek. If you'd like an mp3 version, drop me a note with an e-mail address, and I'll arrange for you to download it. (You can make an mp3 yourself, if you know how, but for many it's just easier to ask.)

[shadowmyst88]

This reminds me ..of summer, i was in love last summer, and it resembles the feeling.

[Urgelt]

Perhaps it does resemble that feeling, Shadowmyst88. I think we are never more alive than when we are feeling passionate, open to possibilities. Every sunbeam, every blown leaf, glows.

So, too, does Mr. Dunbar's paean to that old apple tree. His imagery makes memory glow in our heads. When he shuts his eyes to see, we see with him.

[11spike7]

Urgelt...You have, imo, joined the ranks of Orson Welles, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, and Richard Kiley as one of the truly great voices.

You should do a reading of "The Highwayman", by Alfred Noyes.

"And still of a winter's night, they say, when the wind is in the trees,

When the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas..."

[Urgelt]

I'll add that one to my list of possibles. You're right, it's a very great poem, and it calls for a passionate reading.

I'm grateful for your encouragement.

[Disneyluvr2]

You have an amazing gift! Thank you for sharing it with us on You Tube!

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, Nancy, and thank you for your kind comment.

[ellocotimmie]

this was so nice! it really slowed my heart down, it was that relaxing ;)!!

keep up the good work!!

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, ellocotimmie.

[medinadan]

nice.

[Urgelt]

Thank you.

[cooksterz]

Absolutley captivating. Thanks for sharing it like this!

[Urgelt]

I see you found it on your own.  Glad you liked it. :-)

[medinadan]

so sorry my friend I sometimes feel like a puppy who wonders too far from the porch !! I am so happy I found my way HOME.

[Urgelt]

A beautiful sentiment, you make me smile. :-)

[KaiserBenjamin]

Any chance I could get a copy of the MP3 version? I sometime suffer from insomnia, and I think this would help me relax. I don't like having to shut down my computer after I listen to it- it forces me to get re-alert.

[Urgelt]

Sure. Drop me a message through YouTube's message service. I'll need your (real) e-mail address.

[FrostWolfie]

Wonderful, simply amazing ! When i listen to this it calms me down and soothes my soul. Thank you. Also i would be interested in getting this mp3 ^_^

[KaiserBenjamin]

Lovely. Listened to it before I went to sleep and it was very relaxing. Thanks!

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, Ben, I'm glad you liked it. :-)

[shurms]

are you Canadian? If not, you should be! I love you.

[Urgelt]

I think of myself as holding dual citizenships: in the USA, where I reside, and in the world of humanity. We are all connected.

[bikebunny2005]

brilliant urgelt thank you :)

[Urgelt]

I'm happy you liked it, bikebunny2005. :-)

[bikebunny2005]

hope you had a brill xmas & new year :)

[Procras108R]

I've heard many poems and compositions beautifully chanted for the dancers of hula in Hawaii, but your voice is so unique and so perfect for poetry reading. great!

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Procras108R. I'm glad you liked it.  :-)

[squirtlawirt]

beautiful just beautiful. can't descirbe with words how much I love this.

[Urgelt]

Thank you kindly, Cheryl. You make me smile. :-)

[aaanne80]

This is just so incredible, Urgelt. I think I've listened to it 20 times. I'm about to go to bed now so here we go again :-)

[Urgelt]

Um, wow. Heh, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much, Anne.  :-)

[FreeWingz]

This is the first video that I can enjoy without actually watching. I just clothed my eyes by just listening as though I was there only because you've become one of the best story tellers on YouTube. The sound effects and music is the icing on the cake. Thanks!

[Urgelt]

I'm very glad you liked it, FWz. Thanks for letting me know. :-)

[pixelchick]

Thank you for this meditative moment, Urgelt. :)

[Urgelt]

Welcome, Pix. :-)

[LadySeneca]

Whoa. This video was never in my subscription list as a new video. I would certainly never purposely miss a video of yours, Urgelt! Very, very nice. Extremely relaxing. I think I'll need this around while I'm studing. Though, it may cause me to fall face first into my eco book hehe. :)

[Urgelt]

I know what you mean! Listen *after* you're done studying. :-)

[DragonsHold]

thank you for the great vid

[Urgelt]

Glad you liked it, DH. :-)

[laputavida]

you trnsport me to another dimentsion, the old apple tree dimension, i can feel, smell and event touch that place!!

[Urgelt]

That's the magic of great poetry... the images come alive in the words.

[intracoast]

Thank you, very interesting.

[Urgelt]

Most welcome.

[schantifreund]

Just two words for you:

THANK YOU!

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, schantifreund. I'm glad you liked the poem, too.

[TheAlchemist78]

nice

[Urgelt]

Glad you liked it, thank you.

[Blacksun1942]

Urgelt you're a great man.

[Urgelt]

Ah, no. Just an ordinary man.

The myth is that only a few "great" men and women have worthy talents. The truth is, we all do.

[Marti4161]

I look forward to your readings... you soothe my soul.

Thanks for "The Old Apple Tree".

[Urgelt]

You are very kind, Marti4161, thank you.

[Fiends4]

Very well done Urgelt.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Fiends4, much appreciated.

[BoStevoD]

Such a rich voice, and what beautiful poetry you choose to accompany it with.

[Urgelt]

thank you, BoStevoD.  Yes... Mr. Dunbar crafted a masterwork of contemplation and memory.

[speedbmp]

Well, I thought that I would watch a couple of more videos after this one, but no such luck. It's time for bed! lol

[Urgelt]

I think you win the "most amusing comment" award. Heh.

[ega1mann]

whiskeymedic... get sober before posting...

[tinotrivino]

you really need to go to hollywood with this voice man... better than gandalf .. :-p but also did you think about to going to an editorial? for reading books? or audiopoetry? i guess this exist too in USA right?

[Urgelt]

Perhaps if I practice more? Who knows? I think my delivery has improved since July, when I tentatively started speaking to a cam, so it's impossible to predict where it might end up.

[ega1mann]

very pleasant

[Urgelt]

Thank you, ega1mann, that's close to the effect I was aiming for... we'll see how it goes in testing.

[BigBrotherMateyka]

This is so wonderful. :D

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you think so. :-)

[nayomee77]

Could work! It's quite relaxing to listen to. Excellent work! Looks like u put a lot of effort in to do this.

[Urgelt]

Most of the effort was in sorting through poetry, sound effects and music to find suitable works that fit together. I spent a *lot* of hours at it, true. Glad you thought it was calming, Naomi, thanks for your kind comment. :-)

[bbburton]

Hey Urgelt, just listened to the poem, and wanted to let you know it was great. Not seeing you preform the reading was certainly different, and wondered why you decided not to post the visual. Looking forward to more.

[Urgelt]

Because of the purpose, bbburton, which was to create an audio track for testing purposes. The mp3 is available to those who ask. The visuals were not necessary, because insomniacs are trying to get to sleep, not watching videos; and sufferers of anxiety may need a calming influence anywhere, not just at their computer. It has to be something they can take with them in their mp3 players.

[bbburton]

Just a quick note, not to be taken as a retort, not all of us who enjoy the poetry are insomniacs or anxiety ridden, and enjoy the visual as well because it adds to the overall experience. Thanks again.

[Urgelt]

Gotcha.

Most of the readings will be more normal, but I may do one more test meditation track, if I can find the right elements to fit together.

[whiskeymedic]

leme get this straight, you buy all natural products because WHY....they have 100% the same title and description NO they do not, all products provide some typw of advertising, for you to say you won;t deal in it is hypocracy

[Urgelt]

I have seen little truth in advertising. It's just so much cynical manipulation.

But I won't deny that I am hypocritical, because it's impossible to survive in an industrial society without compromises.

[whiskeymedic]

you should SERIOUSLY consider doing voice-over work !!!!

[Urgelt]

Most voice-over work is in advertising. Advertising is one of the most destructive influences in our society today. The most successful marketing strategy is to make people feel inadequate so they will buy products, from make-up to automobiles, to repair the damage... I can't be a part of it.

[Tasheal]

Your reply to whiskeymedic was very insightful. It reminded me of a conversation I had with a sales man not so long ago who, upon discovering I was studying psychology, attempted with utmost enthusiasm to recruit me onto his sales team. To my surprise; it took a good 20 mins of explanation before he understood the concept of capitalistic manipulation. It makes one wonder what the true extent of damage our capitalist natures have inflicted on people doesn't it?

[Urgelt]

I fear the answer would make you weep, Tasheal.

[evotelution]

you have my ear.

[Urgelt]

Didn't Van Gogh say that...?

Now I'm afraid to open my mailbox!

[Tasheal]

I feel as though I have been wrapped in a warm, soft, blanket. I'm not feeling the best right now, just a cold, but listening to this relaxed me and I feel a little better. Thank you Urgelt.

[Urgelt]

A rich memory is very like a warm blanket, isn't it? I'm glad you feel a little better, Tasheal. Wrap yourself in a real blanket, too.

[antipax]

very enjoyable and relaxing. thank you Urgelt.

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, antipax.

[BrianMortensen]

Great as always Urgelt. In this winter time it was just what I needed:) It reminds me of the summers I had as a kid in my grandmothers garden... Thank you very much.

-Brian

[Urgelt]

I'm happy you enjoyed it, Brian. Welcome!

[narcoleptus]

So good!

I live surrounded by old apple trees and I feel inspired to do a visual accompanyment to your audio poem, Whether anyone see's it or not. Will let you know if I do.

[Urgelt]

Visuals have to be watched, and can't be taken along in an mp3 player, so I didn't include any here.

But I agree, it would be fun to see real apple trees while listening to the poem. Do let me know if you decide to put it together. :-)

[narcoleptus]

Am working on an atmospheric vid of orchards in Autumn now! you can look at as an example. when its uploaded I'll certainly take the idea seriously.

Thanks.

[petera20]

again another ecellent reading, im glad your makeing vids again

[hassssooon]

Need more of this good poems pls ,Thank you

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Petera20 and hassssooon.  There'll be more, but I'm not going to be posting as frequently as many posters.

[Sorinphyre]

Perfect. Shiver-inducing. Thank you.

[Urgelt]

Glad you liked it, Sorinphyre.

[joethebrave]

Ive been struggling to sleep since moving away from home a couple of months ago. i`m 2 and a half minutes in and nodding off. Thanks Urgelt, one happy subscriber here.

[Urgelt]

I'm glad to hear it, Joe.

I think I'll do an educational video on insomnia soon, it seems there's a need.

[GrandmaDig]

Very relaxing and I would love it in mp3 form. It would be great just before I sleep. Not that I have problems sleeping anyway! lol But yes, I thought it was very relaxing too.

[Urgelt]

Drop me a note. :-)

[marjet]

beautiful.  and kind of sad, but: beautiful!

[Urgelt]

Yes, there is a tinge of sadness in the poem, which I tried to convey in my performance. Glad it came through.

Life itself is mixed joy and sadness; best we understand that from the get-go.

[SavannahLioness]

Beautiful as always!

[Urgelt]

Thank you, SL, you are kind.

[tobeornot2b]

cool idea, Urgelt! this sort of reminded me of those guided meditation/ relaxation tapes. your voice runs through me like water, soothing my soul.

[Urgelt]

I think we all need a little soul-soothing, Willow. I wasn't sure if an audio track featuring poetry would work, though. The response seems pretty positive, so I guess the answer is "yes."

Now to await the results of testing by insomniacs, sufferers of anxiety, and practitioners of meditation.

[VioletKitty411]

Yet another masterful recording, dear sir. Thank you for sharing this classic poem. The pathos was genuine. I did very much enjoy listening.

VK

[Urgelt]

Paul Dunbar is almost forgotten today, but he's the originator of phrases that have survived him. Two are in this poem, "castles in the air" and "purple haze," the latter of which Jimi Hendrix lifted for his own purposes.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, VK, and happy you took the time to say so.

Urgelt out! :-)

[VioletKitty411]

LOL...I love seeing people respond that way to me, Urgelt!  Great fun :-D

[Barney4983]

Great voice

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Barney.

[MotherReiver]

No one is quite like you :) You're are awesome in your messages and in how you present your message! Thanks for sharing!

[Urgelt]

When I was a sprat, I learned that the oddly-placed nail invites the hammer, so I'm not sure I should be pleased. :P

Most welcome, though, MR, glad you liked it. :-)

[MotherReiver]

You should be extremely pleased; 'cause I can only find good in you :)

[Salsien]

this is great! :)

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Salsien.

[AfterStarX]

Calming song! :P

Your reading is superb as always!

[Urgelt]

I liked Ubi Caritas, too. It's pretty hypnotic all by itself. As the finale to Mr. Dunbar's dreamy poem, it more than carries its weight on the sound track.

[sweetesttaboo2k]

Your such a great story teller : )

[Urgelt]

The trick is, pick great poems and literature, then read them aloud. :-)

[aaanne80]

Wow, thank you so much for this, Ugelt! I'm a student and have a bunch of exams coming up, after studying all day my mind is all over the place when i go to bed. Your story really calmed me and made me so sleepy :) You should record a bunch of these and release them on itunes, I know I'd buy them :) Thanks again and I hope for more. 5 stars!

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you gained some small benefit, aaanne80. I think there's been enough positive feedback to justify making at least one more 10-minute clip.

[Urgelt]

I'm still planning to start a new series on health. Right now it's in the research and contemplation stage. It's a complex subject and I don't want to rush into it.

Glad you liked the audio track. :-)

[my15minutes]

Thanks, Urgelt.

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, my15minutes.

[Shuzo]

very soothing man

[Urgelt]

Glad you liked it, Shuzo.

[KennyWrites]

I think this video is a success!  Your voice, choice of music and sound effects all have a calming effect and soothe jangled nerves. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for posting it, my friend, and I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!

[Urgelt]

I hope you did too, Kenny. Thanks for dropping by. :-)

[Urgelt]

Thank you, redskulled.

[cinderellaferret]

Terence you hit it out of the park. Thanks for giving!

[Urgelt]

My pleasure, David, glad you liked it.  :-)

[SmallPressFan]

Wonderful stuff...not only your beautiful reading, but the background nature sounds, the music, and the choice of the poem itself. You seem to choose such marvelous pieces to read in your videos Urgelt, is there any chance of getting you to do a video someday discussing your favorite poets/poems and making some recommendations? Anyway, my sincerest thanks; here's hoping you had a rewarding Thanksgiving!

[Urgelt]

I'm not a literary critic or teacher, just an amateur who likes to read aloud. The best way to discern my tastes is probably to just see what I choose to read. Glad you liked it, SmallPressFan, and happy Thanksgiving to you.

[angelicharmony]

Let me just tell you, Terence, that you definitely carried out the purpose of this soundtrack. I'm in a serene and peaceful state now.

You're amazing!

[Urgelt]

Glad you enjoyed it, Heather, thank you for saying so. :-)

[Br0kenSaint358]

Thank you, Urgelt.

I'm easily stressed, so I deeply appreciate this :)

[Urgelt]

Hope it helps a little, Br0kenSaint358.

[gemycat]

I really liked this :)

[Urgelt]

Thanks, hon, I'm glad you did.

[gemycat]

I am one of your biggest fans you know this :)

[Gr8Shotz]

Wow! Great job! Very soothing and very, very relaxing. Thanks Urgelt.

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Russ, you're kind.

[nakikita]

Lovely reading of a lovely poem. A trip down memory lane with nice relaxing music to go with it.

Thanks....

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, nakikita, I'm happy you liked it.

[shakiespeare]

More more more! you got it fella.

[Urgelt]

I do have a few more in the queue that I'm looking forward to recording. :-)

[thebigpicture3]

Oh this was wonderful. I love listening to your readings (as you know), your voice is so distinctive. I'm saving this to my favorites for the next time I need to relax and unwind.

[Urgelt]

Skunks are distinctive, too. I know, one visited me on my deck a few nights ago. :P

But I'm glad you liked it, TBP3.

[thebigpicture3]

Haha.

[Muscleduck]

Nice Urgelt!

You should read... christmas stories or something :)

[Urgelt]

I know I should do something with a Christmas theme, but I have no idea what...

[pnkdragn]

How bout "Twas The night before Christmas and all thru the house...

[BNDS9]

I needed this peaceful video, Thank you Urgelt.:)

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, my friend.

[Minniver]

That was beautiful. Thank you, Urgelt, this was so soothing :)

[Urgelt]

Your visual videography often strikes me that way, too, Minniver. Nice to know pure audio can have a positive effect, too.