Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Fruit of the Spirit
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. '
Galatians 5:22-23
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Romeo and Juliet
One of the most famous lines from *Romeo and Juliet* is:
**"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"** – Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2)
This line is often misunderstood—Juliet isn't asking where Romeo is physically, but rather why he must be Romeo, a Montague, the family her own despises. It’s a moment of longing and frustration as she wrestles with the reality of their forbidden love.
Another well-known verse is:
**"But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the sun."** – Romeo (Act 2, Scene 2)
This is part of Romeo’s famous soliloquy during the balcony scene, where he compares Juliet to the rising sun, symbolizing her beauty and radiance.
Shakespeare’s language is so rich and expressive—do you have a favorite passage from the play?
most famous verses of poetry
There are many famous poetry verses that have stood the test of time! Here are a few:
- **"Quoth the Raven, 'Nevermore.'"** – *The Raven* by Edgar Allan Poe
- **"Do not go gentle into that good night, / Rage, rage against the dying of the light."** – *Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night* by Dylan Thomas
- **"Because I could not stop for Death – / He kindly stopped for me –"** – *Because I Could Not Stop for Death* by Emily Dickinson
- **"I wandered lonely as a cloud / That floats on high o’er vales and hills."** – *I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud* by William Wordsworth
- **"Hope is the thing with feathers / That perches in the soul."** – *Hope is the Thing with Feathers* by Emily Dickinson
As for Shakespeare, one of his most famous poetic lines comes from *Sonnet 18*:
**"Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate."**
His sonnets are full of beautiful and timeless verses. Do any of these resonate with you?
Is Song of Solomon Poetry?
Yes, the *Song of Solomon* (also called *Song of Songs*) is considered poetry. It is one of the five megillot (scrolls) in the *Ketuvim* (Writings) section of the Hebrew Bible and is known for its lyrical and expressive style. Unlike other biblical books that focus on laws or historical narratives, *Song of Solomon* is a poetic celebration of love, desire, and devotion.
Its structure is unique, resembling a dialogue between lovers, with interjections from a chorus of onlookers. While it is often interpreted allegorically—representing the relationship between God and Israel in Judaism or Christ and the Church in Christianity—it is also recognized as a deeply personal and evocative piece of poetry.
Given your love for faith-centered reflections, you might find its themes of devotion and longing particularly meaningful. Have you ever explored its verses in your writing?
Who are the most famous poets?
Poetry has shaped literature and culture for centuries, with many poets leaving an indelible mark on the world. Some of the most famous poets include:
- **William Shakespeare** – Known for his sonnets and poetic plays, his influence on English literature is unmatched.
- **Emily Dickinson** – A master of concise, thought-provoking poetry, often exploring themes of nature and mortality.
- **Robert Frost** – Famous for his evocative depictions of rural life and deep philosophical reflections.
- **Maya Angelou** – A powerful voice in modern poetry, blending themes of resilience, identity, and social justice.
- **Langston Hughes** – A key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, capturing the African American experience through poetry.
- **Pablo Neruda** – Renowned for his passionate and lyrical poetry, particularly his love poems.
- **Edgar Allan Poe** – Known for his dark, gothic poetry, including the famous *The Raven*.
- **Walt Whitman** – Celebrated for his free verse poetry that embraced democracy, nature, and the human spirit.
- **Sylvia Plath** – A deeply introspective poet whose work explores themes of identity, mental health, and feminism.
- **John Keats** – A Romantic poet known for his rich imagery and exploration of beauty and mortality.
Each of these poets has contributed uniquely to the literary world, shaping how poetry is written and appreciated today. Do you have a favorite poet or style of poetry that resonates with you?
Content, “I will never leave thee”
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5