A Home Song (Songs of Hearth and Altar)
The story revolves around a young couple who return to their childhood home after being away for several years. They are now married and have children of their own. The wife's mother, who has been caring for the family home, is struggling with her own mortality. As the couple settles back into their old routine, they must confront the changes that have taken place in their lives and in the world around them.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 114 words
First lines
I read within a poet's book A word that starred the page: "Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage!"
Yes, that is true, and something more: You'll find, where'er you roam, That marble floors and gilded walls Can never make a home.
But every house where Love abides, And Friendship is a guest, Is surely home, and home-sweet-home: For there the heart can rest.
What this Textopian page supports
A Home Song (Songs of Hearth and Altar) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Literary
- Length: 114 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The poem explores abstract concepts of home, love, and freedom, reflecting on deeper meanings beyond physical structures.
- Inspirational — The themes of love, friendship, and the essence of home are intended to uplift and inspire the reader.
- Literary — The work is characterized by its artistic expression and exploration of universal themes.
Tags
Poetry · Religious · Spiritual · Family · Home · Domesticity · Faith · Devotion · Love · Marriage · Children · Parenting