The Cable Hymn
This poem is a tribute to the telegraph and its impact on communication. It describes the excitement and anticipation of receiving news from loved ones through the telegraph. The speaker reflects on how the telegraph has bridged distances, allowing people to stay connected across vast spaces. The poem highlights the sense of longing and separation that comes with being apart from those we care about, but also celebrates the technology that brings us closer together.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1866 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 454 words
First lines
O lonely bay of Trinity, O dreary shores, give ear! Lean down unto the white-lipped sea The voice of God to hear!
From world to world His couriers fly, Thought-winged and shod with fire; The angel of His stormy sky Rides down the sunken wire.
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The Cable Hymn is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1866 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Social Commentary, Historical
- Length: 454 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a poem, characterized by its use of verse, meter, and lyrical expression.
- Religious — The themes explore divine communication, unity, and peace, reflecting spiritual and religious motifs.
- Philosophical — The poem contemplates human connection, progress, and the nature of existence, engaging with philosophical ideas.
- Social Commentary — It addresses societal issues such as war, brotherhood, and the interconnectedness of humanity.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · 19th Century · Free Verse · Social Commentary · Labor Movement · Industrialization · Working Class · Poetic Form · Hymn · Spiritual · Religious Themes