The Children's Hour

I had not intended to do any more poetry readings for some time.

But a letter I received from a young person altered my priorities.

No gimmicks in this one; no sound effects, no experimental/alternative interpretations. This is a straight reading of Henry Longfellow's "The Children's Hour." I hope you enjoy.

The text of the poem can be found here:

http://www.poetseers.org/early_american_poets/henry_wadsworth_longfellow/long...

And the reference to the Bishop of Bingen is explained here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouse_Tower

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• longfellow
• children's
• hour
• poem
• poetry

[Jordans03]

Dont take this negatively, because it's completely positive, your voice helps me sleep on those nights where Mom and Dad are fighting and all that....

[Urgelt]

This isn't the first time people have commented on that property of my videos. The notion left me a little perplexed, once.

No longer. I think I understand the effect and why it occurs.

If it's of benefit to you, I'm glad.

[Waylander7475]

thankyou. and i could not agree more.

i was read to as a child by my mother and father. and i'll make sure that when the day comes that i become a father i shall read to my children.

you are fastly becoming very special to me.

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you will, Waylander7475.

[DNAdamsEdict]

Brilliant! And a real connection from one spirit to another...just when I was beginning to lose faith in humanity.

[Urgelt]

Faith in humanity is taking for granted that, without any effort on our part, things will turn out great.

I gave up that kind of faith long ago. Good results can happen, but they'll take some work to bring to fruition.

We have a lot of work to do, I'm afraid.

[open2interpretation]

It is so nice to see there still exists some genuinely lovely people in this world! Well done you!!! :)

[hiyadroogs]

Bless your heart, Sir. You truly understand that love is self sacrifice. At 49, what illuminates my heart most, & lifts my soul, no matter what is happening in the present, - is the warm memories of how much I was loved & guided as a child. How can 2 people bring a child into the world, & not wish to devote their lives to the goal of introducing him to all that is beautiful & wise & wonderful, past & present? The need to feel special, is as deep as the need for food & sleep. That poor boy..

[hailswebzine]

This video made me cry. That probably wasn't the intent, but I couldn't help it. It really stirred something in me because I can relate to whomever wrote you that letter. And the fact that you took it upon yourself to dedicate this lovely poem to someone whose face you'll likely never even see is just... beautiful. :)

[classicstarlight]

I'm 26 years old and listening to this made me feel like a kid again. I don't have any grandparents but hearing you read makes me feel less badly about missing out on them. Thank you so much. :o)

[JakeStrangeFishing]

keep it up man! your videos are relaxing!

[danausclarus]

I believe that was one of the most kind things someone could do for someone. I know you touched that child's heart.

You're expressions while reading made me happy as well. :)

[RozieBud10123]

Thankyou .

[rfvietnamrose]

Thanks Sire, nice reading.

[Whisperchills]

I dont know how i came across your videos, but that letter was incredibly touching. What a sweet little boy. Thank you for responding to him like you did. Made his day with this video, I'm sure. I love your reading style, by the way. Very relaxed, soothing, and comforting. I find them beneficial when trying to unwind and relax before bed. You bring the words to life. Keep it up!

[skittlezrainbow]

What a fantastic reading. I'm thrilled that I happened to stumble upon your videos. This is actually one of my favorite poems but never before have I cried because of it.