#sundayeveningreflection — Public Fediverse posts

I launched the podcast, “Rebecca’s Reading Room” on September 1, 2021. It is a place where I publish short poetry recitations. I have found that when poetic words are given voice, I am energized by the nuances of rhythm, meter, and tone. I become fully immersed in the cadence and flow of the verse.

Oral expression brings words to life – compelling, engaging and memorable. Speaking the words aloud is a form of self-expression and catharsis, encouraging the speaker to connect with the emotions and experiences conveyed by the poet. Reciting poetry is a powerful tool to gain a deeper appreciation of poetry.

You are invited to share a poetic moment on Rebecca’s Reading Room podcast. Together, we can explore the power and depth of words and delight in the magic of poetry.

Autumn Fires by Robert Louis Stevenson

With “Autumn Fires,” Robert Louis Stevenson takes his readers on a journey through the changing seasons, utilizing descriptive language and evocative imagery to capture their imagination. The poem’s brevity allows for a focused exploration of the transient nature of life and the beauty found within it.

AUTUMN FIRESby Robert Louis StevensonIn the other gardensAnd all up the vale,From the autumn bonfiresSee the smoke trail!Pleasant summer overAnd all the summer flowers,The red fire blazes,The gray smoke towers.Sing a song of seasons!Something bright in all!Flowers in the summer,Fires in the fall!***“Autumn Fire” appears in Robert Louis Stevenson‘s 1885 collection A Child’s Garden of Verses.

The simplicity of language and syntax found in the short lines of “Autumn Fires” is characteristic of Stevenson’s poetry. This style is commonly seen in his poems, as he often crafted his verses with young audiences in mind. His ability to create concise and captivating poems that hold the reader’s attention is evident in this piece. Through his straightforward yet powerful use of language, he creates a poem that resonates with readers of all ages and reminds us of the importance of appreciating the fleeting beauty of existence.

A Child’s Garden of Verses: Exploring Childhood Through Poetry

My mother, Frances, introduced me to poetry with the poem, “The Swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson, which came from Robert Louis Stevenson’s poetry collection, “A Child’s Garden of Verses, published in 1885. I am honouring the memory of my first encounter with poetry, with a recitation of “Autumn Fires”!

Autumn Fires and The Swing are from “A Child’s Garden of Verses” collection.

A Child’s Garden of Verses includes 64 poems specifically crafted for children. This timeless collection has seen numerous reprints, often accompanied by beautiful illustrations, and is renowned as one of the most influential children’s works of the 19th century. The poems prompt readers to enter the imaginative world of childhood.

Through playful and thoughtful storytelling, Robert Louis Stevenson captures the essence of what it means to be a young and curious individual. He dedicated “A Child’s Garden of Verses” collection to his childhood nurse, Alison Cunningham. Stevenson demonstrates his deep gratitude and appreciation for the nurturing influence she had on his early years. This dedication adds a personal touch to the poems and underscores their emotional resonance.

TO ALISON CUNNINGHAMFROM HER BOYFor the long nights you lay awakeAnd watched for my unworthy sake:For your most comfortable handThat led me through the uneven land:For all the story-books you read:For all the pains you comforted:For all you pitied, all you bore,In sad and happy days of yore:—My second Mother, my first Wife,The angel of my infant life—From the sick child, now well and old,Take, nurse, the little book you hold![Pg viii]And grant it, Heaven, that all who readMay find as dear a nurse at need,And every child who lists my rhyme,In the bright, fireside, nursery clime,May hear it in as kind a voiceAs made my childish days rejoice!

https://ladybudd.com/2023/10/29/autumn-fires-by-robert-louis-stevenson/

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