Travels by the Fireside - H. W. Longfellow

TRAVELS BY THE FIRESIDE

The ceaseless rain is falling first,

And yonder glided vane,

Immovable for three days past,

Points to the misty main.

It drives me in upon myself

And to the fireside gleams,

To pleasant books that crowd my shelf,

And still more pleasant dreams.

I read whatever bards have sung

Of lands beyond the sea,

And the bright days when I was young

Come thronging back to me.

I fear no more the dust and heat,

No more I feel fatigue,

While journeying with another's feet

O'er many a lengthening league.

Let others traverse sea and land,

And toil through various climes,

I turn the world round with my hand

Reading these poets' rhymes.

From them I learn whatever lies

Beneath each changing zone,

And see, when looking with their eyes,

Better than with mine own.

H. W. LONGFELLOW 

Summary: 'Travels by the Fireside' is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that reflects on the joys of literary exploration and imagination. The poem opens with the speaker describing the ceaseless rain falling outside and an immovable weather vane pointing towards a misty horizon. This gloomy weather drives the speaker indoors, seeking solace by the fireside.

In the cozy warmth of the fireside, the speaker turns to the world of books that fill their shelves. These books become a source of comfort and inspiration, leading to pleasant dreams and memories of youth. The speaker delves into the writings of various poets who have described distant lands and adventures beyond the sea. Through their words, the speaker is transported to far-off places and relives the excitement of their youth.

Longfellow's poem captures the power of literature to transport the reader to different times and places. It emphasizes the idea that through reading and imagination, one can experience the world and its wonders without physically travelling. The poem celebrates the ability of poetry and literature to expand the mind and provide solace and joy, even on the dreariest of days.