. What the Chimney Sang, words by F. Bret and similar items

Lyrics: Over the chimney the night-wind sang And chanted a melody no one knew; And the Woman stopped, as her babe she tossed, And thought of the one she had long since lost, And said, as her teardrops back she forced,"I hate the wind in the chimney." Over the chimney the night-wind sang And chanted a melody no one knew; And the Children said, as they closer drew, "`Tis some witch that is cleaving the black night through, Tis a fairy trumpet that just then blew, And we fear the wind in the chimney." Over the chimney the night-wind sang And chanted a melody no one knew; And the Man, as he sat on his hearth below, Said to himself, "It will surely snow, And fuel is dear and wages low, And I`ll stop the leak in the chimney." Over the chimney the night-wind sang And chanted a melody no one knew; But the Poet listened and smiled, for he Was Man and Woman and Child, all three, And said, "It is God`s own harmony, This wind we hear in the chimney." Analysis: The poem explores the diverse interpretations of the same sound—the wind whistling through the chimney. For the mother, it evokes painful memories of loss, while children perceive it as a mystical or frightening presence. The fireside comforts of the hearth prompt the father to think practically about the weather, but ultimately, it's the poet who provides a profound interpretation. This poem stands out from Harte's other works, which often focus on sentimental tales of the frontier. Instead, it delves into the depths of human experience and emotion, capturing the psychological and metaphorical resonances of everyday events. Set during the Victorian era, its exploration of domestic life and the human condition reflects the time period's emphasis on introspective and emotive themes. Harte's concise and evocative imagery creates a deeply atmospheric and thought-provoking piece. Through the chimney's song, it taps into the complexities of human emotion and our universal experiences of memory, loss, and the search for meaning. Sheet music very good condition