A beautiful poem by James Henry Leigh Hunt

A beautiful poem by James Henry Leigh Hunt: I found this poem on poem hunter.com after it was mentioned to me yesterday.  I certainly do love this wonderful poem of inspiration and light.

Abou Ben Adhem

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said
"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still, and said "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.


Anonymous Submission

James Henry Leigh Hunt

Submitted: Monday, January 13, 2003

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The Chance by Karen Kingsbury

The Chance by Karen Kingsbury

This wonderful novel by Karen Kingsbury is an inspirational story of love.

It tells the story of two young people who are separated by circumstances beyond their control and over the years the love for each other is not forgotten. If anything, the love between them increases. Ellie and her true love make a compact promise that they will meet again in eleven years' time. This was to be at the old oak tree in the park where they spent so much of their time and was a favourite spot. So much happens in these eleven years and it is beyond comprehension that so many favourable and unfavourable circumstances occur in Ellie's life and yet she finds the strength and will power to survive and do well. She overcomes so many obstacles to make good her life, from raising a child on her own and overcoming the harsh uncompromising attitude of her father in her early days.

The settings of the story are wonderful and Ellie often reminiscences of her earlier days in a small town in the south where she was often the companion of her friend Nolan who lived close by and Ellie often also attended his basketball games where he had a great talent and will to succeed in his chosen sport and career.  This also because he wanted to excel for the memory of his father who had been his coach.

Ellie for many years would be cheering him on from the stands, always enjoying watching him play his marvellous game.

There is also the gift of promise in this beautiful story. A gift of hope, inspiration and beauty. There is redemption for Ellie's parents and forgiveness as Ellie had been prevented from seeing her mother for eleven years.

The truth at the end of the story is all clear. It is wonderful and magical as all doubts, misgivings and misunderstandings are put to rest and Ellie can finally move on with her life. The beauty of the human spirit which is capable of achieving great things!

The Chance is a wonderful story of love and faith. The truth is in the pages which are so elegantly written. A story of life. A story to cherish and a story of love.

The Beloved of Isis by Christian Jacq

Once again Christian Jacq writes a masterpiece. Wonderful story-telling!

This story revolves around the last days of Mozart's life,

the French revolution and its impact, the freemasonry of the times and

the beauty of Mozart's music.

This book is a gem.

Unfortunately, this book also deals with the last days of Mozart.

It is beautiful in its telling. So many truths and unanswered questions.

It is an unfortunate and sad time for Mozart but there are

also many wonderful highlights with his friendships, his

wife, Constance, his children and his dog, Gaukerl.

Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute, is the culmination of

many years of enlightenment.

He composed beautiful music

which was serene and enduring for clarinet

and horn. He also composed string quartets.

He had been composing dances

for the Viennese people who liked to enjoy themselves

and dance, especially in the week-ends.

The music of Mozart endures today

and it is wonderful to read a book which gives inspiration

and shows the courage and beauty of the musician.

The book is spiritual, beautiful, truthful and gives such wonderful

insights into the dramas of the times.

A book well recommended for people who love the music of Mozart!

Enchanting Chenonceau

The wonderful Chateau of Chenonceau

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a morning in June I visited this unique and wonderful chateau.

Its beauty certainly appeals set on the beautiful River Cher.

This chateau is famous for Diane de Poitiers, a mistress of Henri II, who was famously known

for her beauty.

The beautiful Chateau of Chenonceau was given to Diane by Henri II. Later Katherine de Medici

claimed the chateau and Diane moved to another Chateau of Chaumont.

There is a lovely walk through an avenue of trees which seemed to glimmer in the sunlight

and at the same time provide shade on the way to the entrance of the chateau.

Then, suddenly, a wonderful vision of a beautiful chateau which looms large as the visitors

of the group approach.

This is scenic wonder! So amazing and beautiful!

The salamander of Francis I, King of France, is visible over the doorway.

There is a beautiful chapelat the entrance, a wonderful hallway with a vase of flowers,

magnificent views over the river and surrounding countryside and a room dedicated to

Louis XIV as he visited the chateau in July 1650.

It is lovely to wander around this beautiful and stately chateau, view the open countryside

and flowing river from the windows high up in the chateau, visit the kitchens and the

bedrooms of previous queens. There is also a Diane de Poitiers bedroom and a bedroom of

Gabrielle d'Estrees, mistress of Henri IV.

There is an interesting little green room upstairs which is known as the room from where

Katherine de Medici reigned over France.

The gallery is magnificent and when I visited there was information regarding the time

when Rousseau stayed at the chateau as a guest of Madame Dupin. The chateau of

Chenonceau was a place of inspiration for Rousseau.

Beautiful tapestries, paintings and motifs from renaissance times adorn the chateau.

It is wonderful to visit.

A Poet at the Library

A poet was at the library, in the foyer today composing poems
for people who were entering and leaving he library.

I believed this was a very unique service to provide for people.

The poem which Louise Moriarty gave me is very nice:

"Heart shell opens to reveal
a gem that lights up the darkness
Little moments of connection
mean more than she could know
Her ways are an anchor
to people who need a friend
She shines brighter than she thinks.
Her words will live on.

Louise Moriarty

Something different for the day.

There is a place on the internet to look for a poem a day.
Perhaps I will do this each day as it may be inspirational
for me and brighten each new day.