The Message (Lyrics) by Henry Van Dyke
This poem explores the idea that a message can be conveyed through various means, including music and art. The speaker suggests that even if the words are not explicitly stated, the message can still be understood. The book this poem is from is a collection of essays and poems that explore themes of spirituality and morality. It argues that true meaning and purpose in life come from living a virtuous and compassionate existence. The main character in the story is a young man who embarks on a journey to discover his place in the world. Along the way, he encounters various people and experiences that challenge his assumptions and broaden his perspective. The narrative style of the book is lyrical and introspective, with a focus on exploring the human condition. The author uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey complex ideas and emotions. The themes of the book include the search for meaning, the importance of relationships, and the struggle between good and evil.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Inspirational · 174 words
Editions
First lines
Waking from tender sleep, / My neighbour's little child / Put out his baby hand to me, / Looked in my face, and smiled.
It seemed as if he came / Home from a happy land, / To tell me something that my heart / Would surely understand.
Somewhere, among bright dreams, / A child that once was mine / Had whispered wordless love to him, / And given him a sign.
Comfort of kindly speech, / And counsel of the wise, / Have helped me less than what I read / In those deep-smiling eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
The Message (Lyrics) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Inspirational, Philosophical, Children's Literature
- Length: 174 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Message (Lyrics) by Henry Van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
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- Three Prayers For Sleep And Waking Songs Of Hearth And Altar by Henry Van Dyke
- Matins Of Skies And Seasons by Henry Van Dyke
- That To Him Who Loveth God Is Sweet Above All Things And In All Things by Thomas A. Kempis
- Praise Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Valley Of Vision by Henry Van Dyke
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyrical — The text expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyrical writing.
- Inspirational — Themes of love, understanding, and comfort suggest an inspirational tone.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep themes of life, love, and connection, indicative of philosophical literature.
Tags
Poetry · Christianity · Spirituality · Faith · Devotional · Inspirational · Religious · Meditative · Philosophical · Theological · Biblical · Scriptural