I teach this poem in my 5th grade reading class each year. I really like it, and find it a very visual poem. In our reading book, we also have a little article telling about how it is different what really happened.
Something struck me tonight as I read it. It is the last verse of the poem.
It says: A voice of defiance, and not of fear,
A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,
And a word that will echo for evermore!
For, born on the night wind of the Past,
Through all our history, to the last,
In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere.
It made me think of what is happening in our country right now. That there is an hour of darkness and peril and need: and how all the people are waking up to the the "hurrying hoof-beats and working to keep the spirit of America alive.
Hope this doesn't sound too weird, but that was what came to me as I read it.
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I usually read the poem to my class after we've discussed Paul Revere. Then we talk about the information that is contained in the poem. I would love a copy of your article or if you could tell me where the article is that tells about how it is different from the actual event I would appreciate it. In our classroom discussions I am sure I am missing some of the differences. My email address is jwoody@dsdmail.net.
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise. Couldn't agree more on the present danger and peril in our midst. I would like to think that I am a patriot of sorts and am trying to be involved and educated as much as possible so that I can help the "cause." It takes as much courage and dedication now as it did then. Just like our founding fathers were reserved to come forth in their day to bring to pass the revolutionary change called "America", I believe we are here at this time also, to help in this serious time.
ReplyDeleteI think you hit it right on! Our fifth grade does a wonderful program with songs about our history and government. One of the songs is "Ride, Ride" about Paul Revere; you've probably heard it if you teach elementary school. The last verse is about what our reaction will be today to the call of "Ride, Ride". The lines in the song ask "I wonder if two hundred years ahead, Ride, Ride, If they will ride or if they'll stay in bed, Ride, Ride, Will faith and freedom within them die, and when they hear that midnight cry, and the hoofbeats across the moonlit sky, Will they ride with Paul Revere? Ride with Paul Revere?" I try to teach my students that it isn't enough to study what others did to form this great nation or what many did to persevere it. It is our responsibility to do our part in our time. Everyone has a part and they need to think about what they can do to keep our rights alive in this great country. So students need to unplug their ipods once in a while and tune into what is happening around them - I hope at least some of my students leave fifth grade with a little bit wider perspective about their "call to ride".
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your comments. They reflect much of what I have felt concerning this country's current state of affairs. I strongly believe that people must be educated about the past to be able to gage what is happening in the present.
ReplyDeleteNot only do people need to be educated about the past to be able to gage what is happening in the present, but they need to be aware of what is going on around the world. If our current leaders would look to see what is currently happening in Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Italy and all their socialized programs. These countries our falling apart because of the debt incurred to maintain these programs and yet our leaders our heading in that direction. We need to be aware of the world around us in addition to the lessons learned from the past.
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