One of those poets who was at once both prolific and a bit obscure was John Greenleaf Whittier. I think that the times came into play in that regard.
I first read his work while in the 8th grade English class of my teacher, mentor, and friend Mr. Escoe Lloyd Robinson, Jr. at Horace O’Bryant Junior High School in Key West, Florida. It was years before I encountered any more examples of his work in my travels through life.
Writing on various aspects of life, the abolition of slavery, and the spooky legends of New England locales his work is both lyrical and compelling … and typically quite lengthy !
John Greenleaf Whittier
December 17, 1807 – September 7, 1892
Whittier was an American Quaker poet. He was an influential and fervent abolitionist in the United States.
Known as one of the so-called “Fireside Poets”, Whittier was strongly influenced by the Scottish poet, Robert Burns.
His birthplace at the family farm near Haverhill, Massachusetts as well as his home in Amesbury are historic sites open to the public. He has buildings, bridges, educational institutions, as well as a city in California named after him.
Forgiveness
My heart was heavy, for its trust had been
Abused, its kindness answered with foul wrong;
So, turning gloomily from my fellow-men,
One summer Sabbath day I strolled among
The green mounds of the village burial-place;
Where, pondering how all human love and hate
Find one sad level; and how, soon or late,
Wronged and wrongdoer, each with meekened face,
And cold hands folded over a still heart,
Pass the green threshold of our common grave,
Whither all footsteps tend, whence none depart,
Awed for myself, and pitying my race,
Our common sorrow, like a mighty wave,
Swept all my pride away, and trembling I forgave!John Greenleaf Whittier
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