What the Old Year Saw
"What the Old Year Saw" by Fanny J. Crosby is a poem that reflects on the passing of time and the events that occurred in the previous year. The speaker of the poem looks back on the year that has passed, recalling significant events such as natural disasters, political upheavals, and personal losses. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses a sense of nostalgia and reflection, acknowledging the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing every moment.
By Fanny J. Crosby · First published 1870 · Genre: Poetry, Christian literature, Historical fiction · 615 words
First lines
The moon looked down from a cloudless sky, On the white and crispy snow; And one by one the hours went by, While I heard the wild winds blow. I thought of those who were toiling hard, Their burden of life to bear; I thought of the homes that were dark and cold, And the little ones shivering there;
Then I looked again at the queenly moon, As she walked in her path of light; And I prayed from the depths of my inmost soul, "Lord, pity the poor tonight." While thus I mused by myself alone, Watching the embers glow, A form stole in; he was bent with age, And his locks were white as snow.
What this Textopian page supports
What the Old Year Saw is listed on Textopian as a poem by Fanny J. Crosby, dated 1870 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Fanny J. Crosby
- Date: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Christian literature, Historical fiction
- Length: 615 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What the Old Year Saw by Fanny J. Crosby
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering What the Old Year Saw?
- How does this poem by Fanny J. Crosby fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- To Rusticus by Fanny J. Crosby
- A Tribute by Fanny J. Crosby
- Have Patience Little Saint by Alice Meynell
- Song Of The Greek Exile by Fanny J. Crosby
- A Pleasant Reminiscence by Fanny J. Crosby
- The Captive by Fanny J. Crosby
Genres
- Poetry — Fanny J. Crosby is most well known as a poet, with her work often expressing religious and spiritual themes. 'What the Old Year Saw' is likely to follow these patterns, using poetic verse to convey its message.
- Christian literature — Crosby's religious belief is often a central theme in her works, using it as a lens through which to interpret the world around her. Therefore, it is reasonable to categorize 'What the Old Year Saw' as Christian literature.
- Historical fiction — The title 'What the Old Year Saw' suggests a retrospective view, possibly chronicling certain historical events or providing a fictional narrative set in the past.
Tags
Christian · religious · poetry · inspirational · classic · Victorian · historical · biographical · autobiographical · women's studies · American literature · 19th century