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- Robert Frost

The buzz saw snarled and rattled in the yard

And made dust and dropped stove-length sticks of wood,

Sweet-scented stuff when the breeze drew across it.

And from there those that lifted eyes could count

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noun

A state where different things are equal or in the correct proportions; also, the ability to remain steady and upright. As a verb, to make things equal or to keep steady.

“She carefully maintained her balance on the tightrope, demonstrating incredible focus and control.”

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388 words~2 min read

An Old Man’s Thought of School.

Author: Walt Whitman Source: An Old Man’s Thought of School.

AN old man’s thought of School; Meaning: An elderly person reflects on their school days.

An old man, gathering youthful memories and blooms, that youth itself cannot. Meaning: The old man remembers youthful experiences that young people can't fully appreciate yet.

Now only do I know you! Meaning: Now, in old age, he truly understands the value of school.

O fair auroral skies! O morning dew upon the grass! Meaning: He sees the beauty of early morning skies and dew on grass.

And these I see—these sparkling eyes, Meaning: He looks at the bright, eager eyes of students.

These stores of mystic meaning—these young lives, Meaning: He sees deep meaning and potential in these young lives.

Building, equipping, like a fleet of ships—immortal ships! Meaning: He compares preparing students to building a fleet of ships that will last forever.

Soon to sail out over the measureless seas, Meaning: These students will soon venture out into the vast world.

On the Soul’s voyage. Meaning: They are on a journey of the soul.

Only a lot of boys and girls? Meaning: Are these just ordinary boys and girls?

Only the tiresome spelling, writing, ciphering classes? Meaning: Is it just boring lessons in spelling, writing, and math?

Only a Public School? Meaning: Is it just a regular public school?

Ah more—infinitely more; Meaning: No, it is much more than that.

(As George Fox rais’d his warning cry, “Is it this pile of brick and Meaning: He quotes George Fox, who questioned if a church is just a building.

mortar—these dead floors, windows, rails—you call the church? Meaning: Fox said the church is not bricks and mortar.

Why this is not the church at all—the Church is living, ever living Souls.”) Meaning: The true church is made of living souls.

And you, America, Meaning: He addresses America directly.

Cast you the real reckoning for your present? Meaning: America should consider the true value of its present actions.

The lights and shadows of your future—good or evil? Meaning: Think about the future's light and darkness, good and evil.

To girlhood, boyhood look—the Teacher and the School. Meaning: Look to the education of girls and boys, the teacher and the school.

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