The Grand Canyon. Daybreak (of the Unfailing Lig
The narrative revolves around a young woman who embarks on a journey to the Grand Canyon at dawn, seeking spiritual renewal and connection with nature. As she walks along the rim of the canyon, she reflects on her life's experiences and grapples with existential questions about faith, doubt, and the human condition. The story is an introspective exploration of the protagonist's inner world, as she seeks to reconcile her spiritual aspirations with the harsh realities of the natural world.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical Literature · 1,496 words
Editions
First lines
What makes the lingering Night so cling to thee? / Thou vast, profound, primeval hiding-place / Of ancient secrets, -- gray and ghostly gulf / Cleft in the green of this high forest land, / And crowded in the dark with giant forms! / Art thou a grave, a prison, or a shrine?
A stillness deeper than the dearth of sound / Broods over thee: a living silence breathes / Perpetual incense from thy dim abyss. / The morning-stars that sang above the bower / Of Eden, passing over thee, are dumb / With trembling bright amazement; and the Dawn / Steals through the glimmering pines with naked feet, / Her hand upon her lips, to look on thee!
What this Textopian page supports
The Grand Canyon. Daybreak (of the Unfailing Light) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical Literature, Spiritual Literature, Descriptive Writing
- Length: 1,496 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Grand Canyon. Daybreak (of the Unfailing Light) by Henry Van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- Greeting by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Hymn Of Joy by Henry Van Dyke
- Wings Of A Dove Of Birds And Flowers by Henry Van Dyke
- Love And The Seasons by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- God Of The Open Air Of The Unfailing Light by Henry Van Dyke
- Psalm Of The Day by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and personification to convey its themes.
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the natural beauty and grandeur of the Grand Canyon, exploring its physical and spiritual significance.
- Philosophical Literature — The text delves into existential questions about creation, the universe, and the human condition, reflecting on the meaning of life and the presence of a higher power.
- Spiritual Literature — The work contemplates the divine and the spiritual connection between nature and God, suggesting a sense of reverence and worship.
Tags
Nature · Poetry · Spirituality · Philosophy · Meditation · Reflection · Solitude · Beauty · Wonder · Awe · Inspiration · Hope