The Distant Road (Wayfaring Psalms in Palestine)
This collection of poems explores the spiritual and emotional journey of a traveler through the Holy Land, reflecting on themes of faith, doubt, and redemption. The poems are characterized by their use of imagery and symbolism to convey the complexities of human experience. They often employ biblical allusions and references to nature to express the speaker's inner turmoil and search for meaning.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Travel, Spiritual · 267 words
First lines
Blessed is the man that beholdeth the face of a friend in a far country, The darkness of his heart is melted by the dawning of day within him,
It is like the sound of a sweet music heard long ago and half forgotten: It is like the coming back of birds to a wood when the winter is ended.
I knew not the sweetness of the fountain till I found it flowing in the desert, Nor the value of a friend till we met in a land that was crowded and lonely.
The multitude of mankind had bewildered me and oppressed me, And I complained to God, Why hast thou made the world so wide?
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The Distant Road (Wayfaring Psalms in Palestine) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1906 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Travel, Spiritual, Friendship, Philosophical
- Length: 267 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Good Teacher Wayfaring Psalms In Palestine by Henry Van Dyke
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as metaphor and imagery.
- Travel — Themes of journey and exploration in a foreign land are central to the narrative.
- Spiritual — The text includes reflections on divine companionship and gratitude, indicating spiritual themes.
- Friendship — The narrative focuses on the value and impact of friendship, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Tags
Christianity · Poetry · Pilgrimage · Travelogue · Spirituality · Faith · Journey · Reflections · Meditations · Devotional · Literary Nonfiction · Memoir