A Nation's Strength - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Nation’s Strength

The poem Nation’s Strength is written by an American essayist, lecturer and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 25, 1980. His original profession and calling was as a Unitarian minister. He left the ministry to pursue a career in writing and public speaking. Emerson became one of America's best known and best loved 19th century figures. His works include over 1500 published essays, lectures and poems.  His writing style is seen as profound. Emerson's essays remain among the linchpins of American thinking, and Emerson's work has greatly influenced the thinkers, writers and poets that have followed him.

 In this poem, Emerson uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convince the reader that the strength of a nation is not in its wealth or military prowess but its people. Neither does it depend upon heaps of wealth or gold.  He says that real strength of a nation lies in the men of character. These men up hold the cause of honour and truth; they remain united and face hardships for long period of time. Such men are brave, truthful, stead fast, self respecting and hard working. They do not care about their personal loss. They sacrifice their individual interest in the larger interest of their nation. They work while others enjoy a sound sleep. They bear every trial with courage. They dare and remain steadfast while others run away. They lay the foundation of a nation very deep and thus take nation to the highest point of glory.

Blessings of God - Summary

Blessings of God

This poem, more popularly known by the title All Things Bright and Beautiful, is written by an Irish hymn-write and poetess Cecil Frances Alexander. She was born in Dublin in April 1818. Her poetry is religiously inspired. She wrote hymns and religious songs for children. Her book ‘Hymns for Little Children’ became very popular and her compositions were included in Church of Ireland’s hymn books. This poem along with others is known by hear to millions of Christians across the world.

This poem is a hymn of high degree. The poetess eulogizes about the God. She enumerates some of the blessings of god which we take as granted. She exhibits His splendor and magnificence by telling that all beautiful and bright things, wonderful and wise creatures reflect the Godliness. She says that little flowers in multitude of colors and birds with tiny wings have beautified this world. The third stanza of the poem gives natural scenery in words. Purple headed mountains, the running rivers, the scene of sunset and sunrise speak volumes of greatness of God Almighty. The cold winter, the pleasant summer sun and the ripe fruits are the subject matter of the fourth stanza. The tall trees, the meadows and the tiny plants across the river are matchless and scenic blessings of God.

"Nature is the beautiful handwriting of God"

The last stanza carries a thought provoking notion. The poetess says Our Benefactor has blessed us with eyes to see His wonderful creations. He has given us lips to speak high of God Almighty therefore we should be thankful to our Creator for His countless blessings upon us. We should praise the god in our prayers and sings His hymns.