Have a read first, then we’ll explain: One Day I Wrote Her Name Upon the Strand Edmund Spenser (1552–1599) ONE day I wrote her name upon the strand, But came the waves and washèd it away: Again I wrote it with a second hand, But came the tide and made my pains his prey. Vain man… Continue reading Let’s Read A Poem – Classic Sonnet: One Day I Wrote Her Name Upon the Strand – Edmund Spenser
This Irish poet died last month, and I should say a few words about him. Although he’s not one of my very favourite poets, there was a time when I was fascinated by his poems. Here are a couple of his poems that I’d like to share with you. By the way, Seamus is pronounced… Continue reading In Memoriam Seamus Heaney – Two Poems
Weathers By Thomas Hardy This is the weather the cuckoo likes, And so do I; When showers betumble the chestnut spikes, And nestlings fly; And the little brown nightingale bills his best, And they sit outside at ‘The Traveller’s Rest,’ And maids come forth sprig-muslin drest, And citizens dream of the south and west, And… Continue reading Poetry Time – Easy Line-by-Line Explanation of Thomas Hardy’s Weathers
I’m often asked how one can improve vocabulary. By this, people mean they want to know more words. Of course, the old-fashioned way to do that is to open a dictionary and start reading. But after five words, you either get bored, or you find you need to read the first one again to refresh… Continue reading How to Improve Your Vocabulary: Reading and More Reading
Robert Frost’s poetry is ideal for learners of English because of the easy vocabulary. Yet despite that his poems are deeper than meets the eye. Just the other day I came across a simple, but intriguing introduction to this American poet’s work. Here is the link. And here is a link to the poet reading… Continue reading The Poetry of Robert Frost – The Road Not Taken
English with a Smile 