Hem and Haw by Bliss Carman (1907)
A poem about the cyclical nature of life and death, where the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The title refers to the sound of the wind rustling through the trees, which is used as a metaphor for the passage of time and the way it shapes our lives.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Literature, Canadian Literature · 287 words
First lines
Hem and Haw were the sons of sin, Created to shally and shirk; Hem lay 'round and Haw looked on While God did all the work.
Hem was a fogy, and Haw was a prig, For both had the dull, dull mind; And whenever they found a thing to do, They yammered and went it blind.
Hem was the father of bigots and bores; As the sands of the sea were they. And Haw was the father of all the tribe Who criticise to-day.
But God was an artist from the first, And knew what he was about; While over his shoulder sneered these two, And advised him to rub it out.
What this Textopian page supports
Hem and Haw is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literature, Canadian Literature
- Length: 287 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hem and Haw by Bliss Carman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman is recognized primarily as a poet, with this being one of his known works.
- Literature — The book features creative narrative that categorizes it under general literature.
- Canadian Literature — As a notable Canadian poet, Carmen's work falls under this regional literature genre.
Tags
poetry · nature · symbolism · imagery · metaphor · allegory · fable · myth · folklore · supernatural · surreal · dreamlike