Thursday, February 19, 2009

the Power of Words

So, there's this poem that I remember from my childhood. I can't find it anywhere, but I do (fortunately) remember the poet's name. Eugenia Paul. I found it in a book of collected high school works that were published entrants to a creative writing contest. I can't remember what year, sometime early last century (maybe 1925) I am thinking, but not sure. I think she was from New York, but again, not sure. I can't even remember the title, just the words, and I'm pretty sure they are in the right order, with exception of missing punctuation. If anybody knows where I can find a copy, let me know.

Age speaks wisdom Age speaks truth
And the seasoned tongues are keen
But give me the honeyed-lies of youth
And keep my wisdom green

The flame may burn and the burning teach
The moth what candles are
But let me clutch what is out of reach
And die en route to a star.
--eugenia paul.

Here's another favorite from childhood. See if you can guess who wrote it.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

If you guessed Robert Frost, you're on it! If you guessed you heard it or read it in "the Outsiders" you're at the top of the class. Written by Robert Frost in 1923 maybe it helped him win the Pulitzer, but no matter, it was one of his best and most famous. Eight powerful little lines written in Iambic Trimeter, that so sweetly say that no mortal person can maintain their innocence. Do you agree?