'A single lovely action'

 

“All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.” – James Russell Lowell

 

Born in Cambridge, Mass., in February of 1819, Lowell was associated with the Fireside Poets, among the first American poets to rival the popularity of British poets like Byron, Shelley and Keats.  The American writers used conventional forms and meters in their poetry, making them suitable for families entertaining at their fireside.   Lowell believed the poet played an important role as prophet and critic of society, using poetry for reform, particularly in abolitionism.    For Saturday’s Poem, here is Lowell’s,

                                                   Aladdin

When I was a beggarly boy
And lived in a cellar damp,
I had not a friend nor a toy,
But I had Aladdin's lamp;
When I could not sleep for the cold,
I had fire enough in my brain,
And builded, with roofs of gold,
My beautiful castles in Spain!

Since then I have toiled day and night,
I have money and power good store,
But I'd give all my lamps of silver bright
For the one that is mine no more;
Take, Fortune, whatever you choose,
You gave, and may snatch again;
I have nothing 'twould pain me to lose,
For I own no more castles in Spain!