I Heard the Bells

“Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was acquainted with grief.

Longfellow’s first wife, Mary Storer Potter, died after several weeks of illness at the age of 22 on November 29, 1835.

In 1861, the year that marked the beginning of the American Civil War, Longfellow lost his second wife of 18 years when she was fatally burned in an accidental fire.

In early 1863, with the war escalating, Longfellow’s oldest son, Charles Appleton Longfellow, left his home in Cambridge Massachusetts to join the Union Army without his father’s blessing or knowledge. Longfellow received a letter from his son dated March 14, 1863 advising of this decision.

Charles Longfellow was a 2nd lieutenant in the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry when a bullet entered his left shoulder and passed close to his spine. His wound was severe, and although he made a full recovery, there had been a chance that he would be paralyzed.

December 1863, Longfellow travelled to Washington to meet his son due to arrive on the 5th of December. I can only imagine the relief that he felt when he saw his son alive and on his way to health.

On December 25, 1863, home in Cambridge, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote his poignant and meaningful poem, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” These words continue be with us to comfort and cheer, in times of uncertainty or when facing what seems like insurmountable circumstances.

As we celebrate this special season of peace and love, the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow reach across the decades, “Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.”

From my house to yours, may you hear the bells of hope and love within your lives during this festive season and beyond.

Special thanks to my brother, Brian, who performed I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day. Please sing along with Brian and me – we would love to hear your voice through the WIFI!

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
the Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!