Listening by Gilbert Parker (1906)

Name: Listening
Author: Gilbert Parker

The novel Listening, written by Gilbert Parker, tells the story of a young man named John who has lost his hearing due to an accident. The book follows John's journey as he learns to cope with his disability and find meaning in life despite his limitations. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters who help him on his path to self-discovery.

By Gilbert Parker · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature · 517 words

First lines

I have lain beneath the pine trees just to hear the thrush's calling, / I have waited for the throstle where the harvest fields were brown, / I have caught the lark's sweet trilling from the depths of cloud-land falling / And the piping of the linnet through the willow branches blown.

But you have some singing graces, you who sing because you love it, / That are higher than the throstle, or the linnet, or the lark; / And, however far my soul may reach, your song is far above it; / And I falter while I follow as a child does in the dark.

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Listening is listed on Textopian as a poem by Gilbert Parker, dated 1906 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Gilbert Parker
Date: 1906 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature, Spiritual, Historical
Length: 517 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and lyrical expression.
Philosophical — The themes explore existential and metaphysical ideas about the nature of song and its connection to the divine and human experience.
Nature — The imagery and references to natural elements like birds and landscapes are prominent throughout the text.
Spiritual — There are references to divine inspiration and the spiritual impact of music and song.