The Village Blacksmith

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807 (Portland) – 1882 (Cambridge)



Under a spreading chestnut tree
The village smithy stands;
The smith, a might man is he,
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawney arms
Are strong as iron bands.

His hair is crisp, and black, and long,
His face is like the tan;
His brow is wet with honest sweat,
He earns what'er he can,
And looks the whole word in the face,
For he owes not any man.

Week in, week out, from morn till night,
You can hear the bellows blow;
You can hear him swing his might sledge,
With measure beat and slow,
Like a sexton ringing the village bell,
When the evening sun is low.

And children coming home from school
Look in the open door;
They love to see the flaming forge,
And hear the bellows roar.
And catch the flaming sparks that fly
Like chaff from a threshing floor.

He goes on Sunday to the church,
And sits among his boys;
He hears the parson pray and preach,
He hears his daughter's voice,
Singing in the choir,
And it makes his heart rejoice.

It sounds to him like his mother's voice,
Singing in Paradise!
He needs must think of her once more,
How in the grave she lies;
And with his hard, rough hands he wipes
A tear out of his eyes.

Toiing, -- rejoicing, -- sorrowing,
Onward in life he goes;
Each morning sees some task begin,
Each evening sees it close;
Something attempted, something done,
Has earned his night's repose.

Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend,
For the lesson thou has taught!
Thus at the flaming forge of life
Our fortunes must be wrought;
Thus on its sounding anvil shaped
Each burning deed and thought.

About this poem

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "The Village Blacksmith" is a tribute to the hardworking blacksmith who, despite his humble station in life, is an essential part of the community. The poem paints an idealized picture of the blacksmith, who is seen as a heroic and respected figure.

The poem begins with a description of the blacksmith's shop, which is a place of industry and productivity. The blacksmith is described as a "strong man" who toils at his forge, hammering out horseshoes and other tools. His strength and skill are evident in the sparks which fly from his anvil.

The poem then describes the blacksmith's influence on the community. He is seen as a symbol of strength and stability, providing essential tools and services to the people. He is also respected for his wisdom and kindness, as he is seen as a source of counsel for the people of the village.

The poem ends with a description of the blacksmith's legacy. He is seen as an example of hard work and dedication, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people who knew him.

In conclusion, "The Village Blacksmith" is a poem that celebrates the hardworking black.
 

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified by acronimous on February 16, 2023

1:42 min read
1,830

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABABXB CDXDXD XEXEXE XFXFXF XXXGXG GXFHXH CIXXXI XJXJXJ
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 1,563
Words 337
Stanzas 8
Stanza Lengths 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American poet and educator whose works include "Paul Revere's Ride", The Song of Hiawatha, and Evangeline. more…

All Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poems | Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Books

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1 Comment
  • dougb.19255
    Love his charming redeeming work. And the long narratives. Evangeline.
    Song of Hiawatha. Courtship of Miles Standish.
    LikeReply11 months ago

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"The Village Blacksmith" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/18953/the-village-blacksmith>.

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