On the website A Poem From Us, people upload videos of themselves reading poetry from other writers. Here, David Jones reads “A Cradle Song” by William Butler Yeats. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “A Poem From Us”
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Here’s something cool. A poetry lover in Chicago named Felix Jung started a website called A Poem From Us dot com. And the idea is simple. He invites people to submit video of themselves reading someone else’s poem, which is then shared on the website.
So these aren’t people reading their own poetry. It usually has to be by somebody else who’s an established author. And there’s something oddly compelling about this because there’s something about ordinary people choosing a poem that’s touched them in some way and then taking the time and trouble to record themselves reading it and then putting it out there for everyone to see.
You watch a few of these and you’re reminded that poetry really is deeply personal because you really make yourself vulnerable if you pick a poem that you really like and then share it with the world.
And Grant, it’s how I was introduced to a poem that I wanted to share with you that I think you’ll really like if you don’t know it already. It’s called A Cradle Song by William Butler Yeats. And it’s a very simple poem that might be recited by a parent over a crib. And I should mention that the poem includes a reference to the sailing seven, which is probably the group of stars in the night sky known as the Pleiades.
So this is A Cradle Song by William Butler Yeats.
The angels are stooping above your bed. They weary of trooping with the whimpering dead. God’s laughing in heaven to see you so good. The sailing seven are gay with his mood. I sigh that kiss you, for I must own that I shall miss you when you have grown.
Oh, it’s true.
I knew you would love that. You know, I have a gigantic five-year-old who I put in my lap, even though he’s entirely too big for it now because he’s big for his age.
Yeah.
And I already miss, like, the four-year-olds, you know? It’s crazy.
I’m sure.
I’m sure.
I think it’s so great the way that that poem ends with the word groan. You know, it just hits you right at the end.
Oh, my gosh. It’s coming whether I like it or not.
Well, that poem was read on the site, apoemforus.com, by David Robert Jones. And we’ll link to that on our website. And you can go there to watch other videos of people reading poems they love or submit one of your own.
