I truly enjoy Longfellow and my enjoyment increases as I age. While entering books, I came across this copy of Longfellow. It's strange how a poem or book affects one differently at various stages of our life. This copy has been with me as long as I can remember. Poor thing needs a little repair from frequent handling by various readers.

I was introduced to Longfellow at about age 9 when the class was preparing for a visit to his childhood home. I liked The Village Blacksmith because of the giant swinging the sledge.
About thirty years later, I selected the poem for use in a Toastmasters' competition. It was the right length, dramatic, with changes in mood. It earned me a first place trophy.
Now fifty-five years later, I read his work and wonder at his understanding of the people and events of the time. As with many poets, his work could just as easily fit in a library classification other than poetry. ( )