The heart, a symbol of love, compassion, and kindness, has been the inspiration for countless poets throughout history. English literature is rich with poetic verses that capture the essence of kindness, using the power of words to touch the hearts of readers. This article aims to explore some of these beautiful poems, highlighting the unique ways in which they convey the theme of kindness.
1. William Shakespeare - “To His Younger Sister, Judith”
William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, penned numerous verses that celebrate family bonds and the virtue of kindness. In “To His Younger Sister, Judith,” he expresses his love and affection for his sister while emphasizing the importance of kindness:
Hark! how sweet the vernal air does smell!
Sweet the breath of morn! Sweet the dew-drops fell,
Where they lay in the tender grass, and saw the sun
Go shining on the flowery mead.
And I, a fairy child, with wings of gossamer,
Would fain have followed thee, but O, my dear,
Thy youth and beauty did not let me come.
Yet, dear sister, I will not be forlorn,
For in my heart, I keep a little nest
Of tender thoughts that ever love thee best.
Shakespeare’s use of nature imagery and his heartfelt expression of love and kindness create a lasting impact on the reader.
2. Emily Dickinson - “There is No Frigate Like a Book”
Emily Dickinson, known for her unique style and poetic genius, explores the theme of kindness through the power of knowledge and books. In “There is No Frigate Like a Book,” she emphasizes the importance of reading and learning, which she believes to be a form of kindness:
There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the human soul.
Dickinson’s poem highlights the idea that books can transport us to new worlds, offering kindness and solace to those who read them.
3. Robert Frost - “The Road Not Taken”
Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” is a reflection on the choices we make in life and the impact they have on our character. It subtly conveys the message that kindness is an essential part of who we are:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Frost’s use of imagery and symbolism allows readers to reflect on their own choices and the kindness they demonstrate in their lives.
4. Langston Hughes - “The Dream Keeper”
Langston Hughes, a prominent African American poet, addresses the theme of kindness in his poem “The Dream Keeper”:
Dream Keeper, wake!
He lies in the sun
And yawns and stretches.
He dreams.
Dream Keeper, wake!
He lies in the shade
And closes his eyes
And dreams.
Dream Keeper, wake!
He dreams he is
A great king in his castle
And all his people
Are happy.
Dream Keeper, wake!
He dreams he is
A beautiful woman
With a lovely child
Who calls him papa.
Dream Keeper, wake!
He dreams he is
A bird in a tree
And all the other birds
Are singing.
Dream Keeper, wake!
He dreams he is
A fish in the water
And all the other fish
Are swimming.
Dream Keeper, wake!
He dreams he is
A lion in the jungle
And all the other animals
Are happy.
Dream Keeper, wake!
He dreams he is
An artist
And paints
A beautiful picture
On the wall.
Dream Keeper, wake!
He dreams he is
A poet
And writes
A beautiful poem
For you.
Dream Keeper, wake!
Hughes’ poem beautifully illustrates the importance of kindness and the power of dreams, encouraging readers to cherish and nurture the dreams of others.
Conclusion
Poetic verses of kindness in English literature offer a timeless reminder of the power of compassion and empathy. By exploring the works of Shakespeare, Dickinson, Frost, and Hughes, we gain insight into the many ways in which kindness can be expressed through the written word. These poems continue to inspire and touch the hearts of readers, reminding us of the beauty and importance of kindness in our lives.