Ding Dong[14]

by Henry David Thoreau — a poem card from Justes Mots

Thoreau celebrates the transformative power of church bells ringing across the landscape, their sound inspiring courage and heroism in the listener. The poem uses the auditory imagery of 'ding dong' to capture how ordinary natural sounds can elevate the spirit. It serves as an uplifting reflection on how external beauty and sound can awaken inner strength.

When the world grows old by the chimney-side,
Then forth to the youngling nooks I glide,
Where over the water and over the land
The bells are booming on either hand.

Now up they go ding, then down again dong,
And awhile they ring to the same old song,
For the metal goes round at a single bound,…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · reflection