[153] Abou Ben Adhem
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An Angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?" The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men."
The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!
-- James Leigh Hunt
|
There's really nothing this poem needs said about it. It is - and I mean
this is a strictly positive sense - a simple poem; Hunt takes a
straightforward story and renders it in enjoyable verse, uncomplicated by
hidden meanings or stylistic tricks. It's also an extremely well known poem
- the latter due at least in part to its being inflicted upon countless
generations of schoolchildren[1].
Wodehouse devotees will doubtless recognise the poem as being well-loved by
Jeeves.
[1] The young Isaac Asimov once got himself into trouble for, when asked why
Ben Adhem's name led all the rest, waving his hand wildly and answering
'alphabetical order', a spirited but unappreciated stand against the
belabouring of the obvious.
Biography etc:
See poem #103
From: Amit Chakrabarti <amitc@>
About time this chestnut appeared on this list, eh? I've always
had (still do) one crib about this poem. It is overwhelmingly
didactic. But perhaps the use of this poem as a good lesson to be
taught to kids colours my opinion here.
-Amit.
From: "harry posey" <hposey@>
I adore this poem. Being American educated, it was not "inflicted" upon me
and I had never heard of Leigh Hunt. I'm trying to find out more about the
background of the poem and its seemingly Arabian slant.
From: Ray.Mills@
Hope by "date" you don't mean the date the poem was written. Abou ben
Adhem is certainly older than that. RM
From: ShawnSkg@
I had a dream about the Abou Tribe and I am looking for any infromation you
could share with me about what it is or was, or any readings that could
answer my questions. Thank you!
Shawn
From: "BW" <B@>
Some 60 years ago, my mother used to recite this poem to me as a
boy. I recall that it was a source of wonder and comfort to me
in times that were generally hard. As the years passed, I
forgot some of the words, but never the feelings which the poem
inspired. Until a few days ago, I was not aware of the name of
the poet or the extent to which the poem was known. Now that I
know and can see the verse because of this website, it's like
hearing my mother again. Thank you.
From: "Waranowitz, Ben" <Ben.Waranowitz@>
I agree with most about this poem, which I first heard in 5th grade. It was
many years later when I was assisted by a librarian who found it, but first
came across this poem by a person named Bothroyd:
Abou Ben Adhem's name led all the rest..
Prompting a thesis, quite hypothethetical,
That even recording angels find it best,
To keep us Hypothetical.
- Bothroyd
From: adarsh_kadambi@ Wed Jul 31 09:54:30 2002
I can never thank you enough for having put up this poem on your web
site.!...I still remember my 3rd standard English teacher reciting this
poem to us and explaining it in all detail. Like some one else on this
list has already mentioned, the feeling that this poem inspired in me
,some 15 odd years ago, still live on!. Actually, I was in search of the
words...and to predicament, didn't know the author's name. Amazing, not
many of us on this list remember the author (bless him! ) of such a
wonderful poem!
Aadarsh Kadambi
Bangalore
India
From: "Irvine Churchward" <irv@>
My sincere thanks for listing this poem on the Web. It is the only poem of
many that I learned at school some 50 years ago that I remember most of the
words of. I only had two lines wrong. It is a family joke of ours (a bit
irreverent I suppose) that I would hold my children and make them sit
through a few renditions of Abou Ben Adhem as a punishment but usually just
for fun.
It is a very special poem to me. Thanks again.
Irv
From: "Waranowitz, Ben" <Ben.Waranowitz@>
I made an error in the last line, corrected here:
Abou Ben Adhem's name led all the rest..
Prompting a thesis, quite hypothethetical,
That even recording angels find it best,
To keep us alphabetical.
- Bothroyd
From: "Martha Crocker" <mec@>
I have the greatest pleasure of being able to spend time with my mother (86
years old). I am an executive recruiter and was speaking with a Candidate
of mine and shared with him the information that I was writing my mother's
memoirs. Mom grew up in Bronx, his dad in Manhattan, and we soon discovered
that both had to memorize this poem, which became an all time favorite of
both. Even at 86 Mom remembers every word.
Martha Crocker
IMPACT Search and Strategies
1124 Richmond Road
Litchfield, Maine 04350
207-268-3808
From: Hsmith1970m@
I'm in the process of Reading "The Nicholas Effect" by Reg Green , a fathers
story of the impact that was made on thw word after the lost of his Child.
This Poem was mwantioned in the Book, and I've never heard of it, before now,
but it well be a poem, I use with the Children in my life.
Thank You
From: "AM" <am@>
I'm Spanish. It's only a few days ago I've discovered this poem. I open
wide my eyes and ears on reading it. Just to say it's a wonderful poem,
as it whispers to me my inner child.
Regards,
A.M.
From: "Chauncey Adams" <csadams@>
This Poem inspired my wife and I to name our son Ben Adams, now getting
his Ph.D. in Psychology at Columbia University.
From: SmithMS10000@
I just had to add to the chorus my almost total recall of this poem which I
had to memorize. I don't even remember the grade, possibly 5th, which would
have been around 1954. Strange I can remember that stuff and can't remember
what happened yesterday!
From: "Clark Whetten" <clwhet10@>
I'm using this poem in a eulogy that I am preparing for my father in
law. Didactic or not, it still brings tears to my eyes every time I
recite it. I imagine making school children memorize it speaks for the
quality of education that was existent in the old days that is
non-existent now. Can't have the little dears strain their brains now
can we.
Clark Whetten
From: "Gopal R (BLR)" <gopal@>
Like most others who have commented on this poem, i too had the pleasure (or
was it really, when we had to memorise & repeat) of re-reading this after
many years. Strangely, just after reading 2 lines, the whole poem came back
to me in an instant.
Truly, only later in life, does one really appreciate the quality of
education we had earlier.
Thank you for putting this up.
gopal,
bangalore, india
From: Paul Nay <psyprof1@>
Moving to find this poem today after reading the report of the Iraqi who
helped rescue Pfc Jessica Lynch. It would be interesting to rate
cultures, religions, and countries by the proportion of Abou ben Admens
they produce. In fact, what better claim to respect is there?
Paul Nay
Santa Barbara, California, USA
From: Olderbart@
The Iraqian attorney (and his nurse wife) - whose compassion at the sight of
Jessica Lynch getting knocked around led him to the rescue machinery - is the
2003 real time version of Abou Ben Adhem. I don't believe many people under
40 know this poem. It would be good to see the parallel drawn in the press.
Rodger
olderbart@
From: SIOBHANFROMNJ@
What a joy to see this poem again. I had to memorize it at St. Cecilia's
Academy in Scranton, Pa. many many years ago. (I'm 83!) For some reason it
popped into my head recently & I couldn't get it out of my mind.. Finding it
on the web was wonderful & brought back many happy memories. Thank you SO
much.... Siobhanfromnj
From: dworkinla@
yes I had to memorize this one too-I still love it
a great poem--would make a great addition to any childhood education and
an even better one to adult refresher education. imho
From: "Arlene" <ARA1024@>
Thank you so much for including this wonderful poem, I too have
memories of grade school some 50 plus years ago and never had it please
me more than today,,
will pass it on,,,,Arlene
From: EasilyAmusedGirl@
Wow, I was doing a project and I get to choose any poem I want by Leigh Hunt.
I am inspired by how this has inspired all of you. Thanks for making a
late-night cram session more enjoyable
From: "CHRIS WHITEHEAD" <lihma.lim@>
Thank you so much for posting this poem. I have read all of the comments
and can agree with most. My grandfather read this poem to my cousin and
myself as young children, and to hear him tell this poem was the best
part of the day. He has been gone for quite some time now, however, this
poem has never left my mind. My husband and I are pregnant with our
first child, and immediately I remembered the poem. This is a classic
poem, one that I want to pass on to my children to allow the memory of
my grandfather to live on. My heart is full of joy, thank you.
From: Mariam_Tamer@ Tue May 6 20:08:39 2003
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My father, a life long atheist/agnostic, gave each of us, his children,
a book of poems which included Abou. After having worked for peace and
understanding all his life including all the peace walks, sit ins, and
gatherings of the 60's, this poem will be read as a tribute to him at
the memorial service we are having in a few days. It certainly speaks
volumes.
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<P><FONT SIZE"2 FACE""Arial">My father, a life long
atheist/agnostic, gave each of us, his children, a book of poems which
included Abou. After having worked for peace and understanding all
his life including all the peace walks, sit ins, and gatherings of the
60's, this poem will be read as a tribute to him at the memorial
service we are having in a few days. It certainly speaks
volumes.</FONT></P>
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From: "A.H. Marks" <marksa@>
Dear Sitaram Iyer:
Has anyone pointed out that Abou Ben Adhem's name might very well have
led all the rest if the names on the list were given in alphabetical
order? Leigh Hunt wrote at a time when jokes of this kind were not
unusual in English poetry.
Alfred H. Marks
From: Martin DeMello <martindemello@>
--- "A.H. Marks" <marksa@> wrote:
> Dear Sitaram Iyer:
>
> Has anyone pointed out that Abou Ben Adhem's name might very well have led
> all the rest if the names on the list were given in alphabetical order?
> Leigh Hunt wrote at a time when jokes of this kind were not unusual in
> English poetry.
Isaac Asimov did - I mentioned the fact in my original commentary :) I must
say, though, that I didn't think of it being deliberate on Hunt's part -
excellent point, that. Interestingly, it would hold true even in Arabic, since
alif is the first letter of the alphabet.
martin
From: "Grady W Eaton" <kd4cee@>
Been Curious about "ABOU" for a long time. Late 40's is when I had to
make a stab at memorizing this one. YES! In School, no less! Us gutter-
minded teen-agers had our own version which was a lot easier to recite.
Thanks for having this available .
From: "Julia Spencer" <julia.k.spencer@>
I learned this poem as a child in school in ala.It always gave me a
sense of contentment, too bad the children of today are not blessed with
literary works such as this.
From: "gene oshea" <shanghai90@>
My DA is 87 years old and lives in the States. Both he and my late
mother were born and raised in Ireland. Visiting with my Da today in his
garden he had a small stone angel sitting reading from a book. He said
"you know when I was a child I had to memorize a poem about some Abou
Ben Adhem. Lines of the poem keep going through my head now but I can't
remember all of it. I loved it so much. all I remember is -" then he
went on to recite the 1st 9 lines of the poem. He wondered how he could
ever remember the rest. I cam home and of course this site popped up on
an internet Search. I have read the various comments and am touched my
them. I can only say me Da too is a witness as to its long lasting
power. And perhaps its return to many in later life.
Peace to All.
Gene O'
From: "Mary McCann" <am2mc776@>
When other little girls were read fairy tales at bedtime, night after
night, my father recited Abou Ben Adhem & The Gettysburg Address to me.
I grew up with a vision of the world our sacrifices can build for our
children. I think I have a deeper inner peace, because of the beliefs
my father framed for me with those words. As Always Am2Mc
From: Auggie & Sally <auggiesally@>
From: Sally Petersen
While visiting my mother (at age 92, with dementia) in her nursing
home, during a "Sing a long" she got up and was able to recite this
wonderful poem with just a few words missing. I love this poem and like
a few others could not remember the authors name but finally found it
and was able to print this poem for a very dear friend of mine that was
just diagnosed with cancer. I read the comments above and do not feel
the author meant for Abou's name to lead all the rest
for alphabetical reasons at all.
From: "alison.austin" <alison.austin@>
I was delighted to find your website. I am fortunate enough to own the
collected works of James Henry Leigh Hunt (1784-1859), in 2 volumes ,
first editions published in 1859. They are full of wonderful poems, but
this is my favourite too
From: Jewell <jewell@>
I noticed someone said that they had not had the poem "inflicted" on them. I had
to memorize it in school, but I feel very fortunate that I did; I have refereed
to it often, even though I could not remember all the words. Thank you for your
site. I enjoyed roving through it.
Ruby Rose
From: "Dundore, David" <ddundore@>
Hi Shawn,
'Abou' means 'father of' in Arabic, and 'ben Adhem' means 'of the tribe of
Adam.' So I believe that the name is an idiosyncrasy, meaning "A father from
the tribe of Adam' which could be about any one of us.
From: "David Upton" <frupton@>
I had to memorize this poem when I was 7 and in the second grade. I am
now 56 and can still recite much of it.
Fr David Upton
St Andrew's Episcopal Church
400 Pendleton St
Greenville SC 29601
864.235.5884 (O)
864.630.7673 (M)
From: Rachel Jenkins <rjenkins@>
I learned this poem in school in the 6th grade (1951-52) in Indiana. Bless
the teacher who gave it to me to memorize. It is the only poem that has
stuck with me - always a favorite for its simple meaning.
From: Bjoycebeme@
Even if Abou Ben Adhem's name led the rest because of alphabetical order, it
is still noteworthy that it made that particular list and obviously in
response to his statement the previous night.
From: Kashif Adhami <kdadhami@>
I am one of his tribe members, which has been
increasing since his days and with many bounties from
the Almighty. Our parents and grandparents have told
us many stories of our ancestor, and the main idea
behind each one them was to make us understand that
"God loves those who show respect and love for God's
creatures", Leigh Hunt in his poem "ABOU BEN ADHEM"
more then the persona of ABOU BEN ADHEM, is trying
teach us the same.
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Search - Find what you’re looking for faster
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From: Julie Carrara <carrara@>
Isn't it amazing how the poem Abou ben Adhem comes back to one after so
many years? I memorized it as a child and have remembered almost all of
it, except for a few lines. How wonderful to have found it all here.
Yes, we did get a wonderful education in those days. I am 62 now, and
memorized this in fifth grade in El Paso, Texas. Charlene
From: Julie Carrara <carrara@>
I love this poem, as you do. It is something I learned in fifth grade,
(I am now 62) and it has recently been going through my head. I
remembered much of it, even the spelling of the title, but was missing a
few lines. A friend suggested I look it up on the internet, and lo and
behold it is here. Wonderful!. Now I have it all. Charlene Lord
From: "Jane H. King" <janeking1941@>
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My dad was born in 1910. He taught me this poem and one about a Pretty Chicken before I entered school. I am now trying to keep my mind alive and well -- I'm giving poetry recitations and have included both of these. Thanks to all who made their comments and to the site for choosing this poem - whatever the reason might have been for Ben Adhem's name to lead the rest. Jane
Heart for the Harvest Promoting Shared Witness and Ministry with Hispanic Persons
Jane H. King
Consultant to Hispanic/Latino Ministry Northwest Texas Annual Conference, UMC
1415 Avenue M
Lubbock, Texas 79401-3939
janeking1941@ tel:
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mobile: (806) 762-0201
(806) 762-0205
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<DIV><FONT face="Comic Sans MS">My dad was born in 1910. He taught me this
poem and one about a Pretty Chicken before I entered school. I am now
trying to keep my mind alive and well -- I'm giving poetry recitations and have
included both of these. Thanks to all who made their comments and to the
site for choosing this poem - whatever the reason might have been for Ben
Adhem's name to lead the rest. Jane</FONT></DIV>
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<TD class=noro style="PADDING-LEFT: 4px"
vAlign=top><B>Jane H. King</B><BR><I>Consultant to
Hispanic/Latino Ministry</I> </TD>
<TD class=noro style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px" vAlign=top
align=right><B>Northwest Texas Annual Conference,
UMC</B><BR><A class=psl
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<TD class=noro noWrap align=right>tel: <BR>fax:
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From: rblnchrd@ Sun Apr 25 01:38:04 2004
Maybe it says something about American education in the 50's and early
60's, but I was never introduced to this poem in school - either as a
verse to memorize or even a verse to think about. Fortunately, my
mother had a much more centered idea of what was important than the
local public school. I can hear the gentle sound that came over her
voice as she would recite or read it to me (she did both). Her tone
made it sound wonderful (which it is). I was thinking about it tonight
and ran an internet search. I've enjoyed your list of comments. This
is a gentle, wise little poem.
Rosemary Ann Blanchard
Sacramento, CA 95819
Establishing lasting peace is the work of education. All politics can do
is keep us out of war.
Maria Montessori
From: Mike White <caledonianmike@>
I am 59 and a grandfather
Everyone in my class was given a poetry book by my high school teacher in England and told to pick a poem to learn and later recite as part of a test. I picked "Abou Ben Adhem".
I ws practising at home when my mother (now 80) came into the room and started reciting it. In her day at high school, she had also been given a poetry book to pick a poem from and had chosen the same poem.
I have used this poem as a creed to live with and have endeavoured to teach the poem both as a poem and as a creed to my children.
Michael C F White, Los Angeles, June 2004
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From: "liz keefer" <lizkee@>
Abou was "inflicted" on my mother and was a recitation in grade school.
Mom passed away in 2001 and in her last week on earth still could recite
Abou.Sometimes over the years she had to pause until the words came but
the words were always there.I printed your page for my memory book.Thank
You, Liz Keefer
From: Harriett Gray <h-g@>
From two old ladies in their eighties:
My friend called last night and said: "Do you remember a poem that began -
Abou Ben Adam may his tribe increase and I answered:
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace!
We both had it reappear from long ago in grade school and now what a thrill
to find all this info here on the Web - I am copying the poem to send to my
friend - thank you.
From: Rocktapper@
Abou Ben Adham.... this is a poem for humanity not to forget there Lord.
Abou Ben Adhem in Arabic means Children of Adam.... this has a very Islamic
message and style in writing. But its message goes out to all people who
believe in a higher being!
From: GJgaudia@
Funny, but as an atheist I see this poem (which I learned in P.S. 48 in the
Bronx around 1937) as a statement about Humanism more than God. I have always
wondered why my Catholic Irish-spinster teachers wanted us to learn it since
it seems more secular than theistic. Anyway, I awoke this morning "from a deep
dream of peace" thinking of Abou Ben Adam and had to consult Google to find
out more about it.
From: "Chellappa, Mallika (Mallika)" <mchellappa@>
And then there's the parody by Cracked Magazine
(circa 60s/70s)
Sylvester Ben Janitor, may his tribe decrease
Awoke one night from a deep dream of geese
And saw, within the gaslight in his room
Making it rich, and like crabgrass in bloom
A Clod, writing in a book of gold
An exceptional line had made Ben Janitor bold
And to the Clod in the room he said
"Wha-a-a-a? " The Clod raised its head
And, with a look that was racked
Answered, "I write the names of those who love Cracked"
"And is mine one?" saind Sylvester. "No"
Said the Clod. Sylvester spoke more low
But drearily still, and said, "If it's not stacked
Write me as one that's a lover of Cracked."
The Clod wrote and vanished. The next night
He came again in a great mazda of light
And showed the names of those who thought Cracked was fun
And Lo - Syvester's was the only one!
This may have mistakes. Please excuse.
Was reminded of this when a fellow Minstrels
member sent me the Mad parody of Hiawatha.
Mallika
From: "\"B\"" <tink6170@>
Osama ben
Laden
Osama ben Laden (his tribe did much increase) Awoke
one night from a deep dream of peace
And saw within the stillness of his room Making it
rich as a lily in bloom
A houri writing in a book of gold. Exceeding
peace had made ben Laden bold
And to the presence in his room, he said "What
writest thou?"
The houri raised her head And with a look of
all sweet accord
"The names of those who love Allah (the Lord)."
"And is mine one?". asked Osama. "Nay not so".
replied the houri.
Osama spoke more low but cheerily still "Write me
as one who loves to kill."
The houri wrote and vanished. The next night she
came again in a bright blaze of light
And showed the names of those whom Allah has kissed
And, Lo! ben Ahdem's name's not on the list.
From: Juanita_Raman@ Fri Aug 13 14:10:26 2004
This poem was not inflicted on me. As a 7th-grader in Canada, more than
50 years ago, I inflicted it on myself when we were assigned to memorize
any poem in our book that we wished. I have never ceased to love it but
could not recall the words "But cheerily still." Thank you for supplying
them! I wept, right here at my desk, reading through the whole poem AND
the comments submitted. (Incidentally, BW, my mother used to recite the
last lines of Hunt's "The Glove and the Lions": "Not love, quoth he, but
vanity, sets love a task like that.")
From: "Gail Bonnell" <gailbon@>
I can't believe so many people remember and have memorized this poem.
My father memorized it as a small child. He
died in 2001 at the age of 89 but could recite every single word. I had
the poem printed out and on display at his memorial
service. Thanks for a sad but happy memory. Gail
From: "Gail Bonnell" <gailbon@>
I am absolutely amazed at the number of people whose parents memorized
this poem in school. My father died
in 1991 at the age of 89 and I had this poem read at his memorial
service. He loved it so and could remember
every word of it up until his death.
Gail Bonnell
Louisville, KY
From: "Michael" <justfaris@>
Dear ssiyer,
I new this poem almost by heart when I was but a teenager (more than
three decades ago) but the exact words grew faint over the years (the
words, not the message).
The trials of recent events in my life have compelled me to learn of
it so I may know and pass on to dear friends for their comfort.
As I typed the letters of the title in the 'search' bar, I had no
idea my quest would end so quickly. Tears filled my eyes when I saw
this sight, so quickly processed and leading the list. I not know this
poem had touched the lives of and brought comfort to so many. Surely,
some of them, as I, not enjoying the peace of knowing for certain that
there even is a God.
I intend to copy this verse and learn it again and hold it dear and
pass it on.
Thanks and gratitude to you both you and Mr. Hunt,
Michael
Southern Indiana, U.S.A.
From: Rhonda Laues <rlaues@>
I've always wondered why my heart was so full of God's
love! This poem was recited to me by my mother as a
child at bedtime. She would start by having me
repeat, "Abou Ben Adhem by Leigh Hunt". What a
positive and encouraging piece to put in the heart of
a child! I know it so well, I was prepared to correct
it's content on this webpage had ONE word been
incorrect. It was flawless! Thanks for sharing it
with those of us who are familiar, and those who may
need it!
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From: Wynton Adams <wynadams@>
In doing research for my wife on the poem "Abou Ben Adhem" I came across your comments and the name Chauncey got my attention. In 1941 a Chauncey Adams contacted my father, A. Leon Adams, as Chauncey was compiling an Adams family history. Said Chauncey at that time was a retired minister and secretary of the Vermont Congregational Conference. He later moved to Claremont, CA. Please let me know if we may have the same ancestry. My granddaughter is now the keeper of the family tree. She would be pleased to know of more recent members of the family that you may know of. Sincerely, Wynton B. Adams, 795 County Road 1, #145, Palm Harbor, FL 34683
From: "Blaine Sturgess" <blainesturgess@>
From B Sturgess -London Nov10th 2004
My mother recited this poem to me many times -and I always thought the moral
very valid .Now even more so when certain people in certain religions
believe they have a monopoly on God.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
From: "emma cottrell" <emmacott@>
I too have remembered this poem all my life and wanted to print
a copy for a friend who is from Germany. I am amazed at the
the comments of the "prettiness" of the poem, and the failure of
most to understand its true meaning. For years I have shied away from
the "I love Jesus" and "Do you know Jesus loves you?"
proclaimers and how we must shout to the heavens of our love of God.
This poem says it all. Stop your "Bible thumping" and
"showing off" about religion. If you are interested only in show, then
shout and sing and proclaim all you want, but if you really
want to live a rich and full life, then "love your fellow man". That
is what living is all about and it is the hardest thing to do. Also,
remember that charity starts at your own hearth and spreds out
to the world - so take care of your own first - and then spred that
love around you. It will radiate out and you will be blessed.
James Leigh Hunt wrote from the heart - and was a very wise man. He
wasn't writing just a pretty poem to catch your fancy,
he was giving you a goal to reach. emmacott@
From: Bill Baker <BillBakr@>
Leigh Hunt's Abou Ben Adhem, and "Invictus", by William Henley, have
been guiding lights for most of my 90+ years. You don't have to be
religious to appreciate the value that loving your fellow man brings.
The whole (society) is greater than the sum of its parts (people).
Without co-operation It would be a survival of the fittest jungle.
billbakr@
From: "Kay Howard" <dearkay@>
I also learned this beautiful poem way back in the late forties. I have
recited it over and over for my four children, and even my husband, who
had never heard it. (He was from Ohio.) Who would have thought that such
outstanding poetry would come from the mouth of someone from West
Virginia? I can still recite all 55 W.Va. counties in alphabetical
order, and draw a map of the state, and include all the cities. Thank
God for that "Backward State!"
Kay
From: Poetal1@
I certainly do not feel Abou Ben Adhem was inflicted on me as a child. I
have never been an avid reader but this was one thing that I remember enjoying
all of it. Although I didn't have to memorize it, I remember going back and
re-reading it several times. I believe that angel helped me by showing we
should love our fellow men. But I also feel this was one of the reasons I have
become a poet.
From: Joe Gormley <joiegtahoe@>
This poem was not 'inflicted' on me. Instead it was sent to me by my
"Ex's" mother almost 30 years ago. I still have the original that she sent me.
I very much loved my "Ex" and her mother, who was a wonderful person. The
mother has since passed away, but tonight I ran across the poem she sent me
many years ago and I smiled at her memory.
I can see by the earlier posts that this poem has touched many lives in
many strange and wonderful ways.
Peace, Joie Gormley
From: Terry Graham <sp_music@>
When I rewrite this beautiful poem that I never forgot a word of since the fifties,
I change the angel to "She".
I had a similar remarkable baptism in the Spirit in 1971
through which I came to realize that the Holy Spirit is the feminine within God and woman is her created imagery. Solomon knows this too. Wisdom is Her name.
Proverbs, chapters 1 to 8 and the "Wisdom of Solomon" in the Jerusalem Bible
will prove it to anyone honestly seeking.
Men are images of the "Word", the masculine, the Father, within the nature of God.
Terry
Salt Spring Island
From: "C Hall" <carmen41@>
I am now sixty three years old. This poem has stayed in my head since I
was given a Children's Encyclopedia for Xmas when I was about eleven (I
think), and I learnt it off by heart.
I was most surprised when I read in the Daily Telegraph that someone was
enquiring about it, which prompted me to look it up on my computer.
What a wonderful memory.
Carmen Hall
From: "Chon-Hee Ngui" <chngui@>
Just the second line, "Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace" sets
the
calm, tranquil mood of the poem - how beautiful! The poem has been a
favourite of mine for many years.
I sometimes quote from it when discussion on religion becomes passionate
and
heated-up.
It gently reminds us what God and goodness is all about.
From: <mcd_1@>
I cannot remember where I first heard or read this poem.
It was certainly many many years ago...I am 72 now, and for some reason,
it popped into my head.
A google search found your site...and I thank you for the poem and the
site.
McDaniel
From: WalterGeezer@
'....inspired my wife and I .......
geesh! Ben could never forgive you for publishing that grammatical
abortion..
Well, I suppose it is not as bad as the current 'ValleyGirl' vowel swapping.
You know, Happy becomes Hoppy; Best Friend becomes Bust Frund.
OK, OK , Aquila Non Capit Muscas
( Or maybe, "The moving finger writes and having writ......" Once the
stuff goes on the net neither your piety nor wit shall lure it back etc. :)
)
s/the old Geezer
From: "Patti Cushingberry" <PCUSHING@>
had to memorize this poem in the 6th grade, and at that time it made
absolutely no sense to me!!!
From: Patpalmer9@
I learnt this poem when I was a very young girl, I am now 64 years of age.
Over the years I have recited it to my sisters and my sons and daughter. I
now want my grandchildren to have the benefit of this wonderful poem, but there
was one line I was unsure of. I am so pleased to have found the poem again.
Thank you.
From: GAR75043@
In the sixth grade i had to memorize this poem. At the time I thought it a
labor to learn. Now after the years, I appreciate having had the assignment.
Thank to all of the teachers who give this poem to students to commit to
memory...........
From: Jack Jackson <xego1@>
I had never heard the poem thanks for putting it up. I was watching the original "Alfie" with Michael Cane in which he recites the poem up to the line "Love the Lord" I thought it was interesting the way the film used the poem, he doesn't recite the rest which deals with not being properly thankful for ones blessings which is Alfie in a nutshell.
Xego-
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From: Judd Rosenblatt <cafeblanc@>
If you liked this poem, I recommend you read a very good book by
Claude Campbell about the real Abou Ben Adhem.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1882593715/ref=lpr_g_1/104-7269513-6074353?v=glance&s=books
From: Jacob Andoh <jyandoh@>
Thanks for posting the poem “Abou ben Adhem.” Finding
this poem on the net brings back sweet memories. I,
too, like many here who have said so, was made to
memorize this poem a long time ago, by my teacher in
primary school, standard 4 or 5. I am a Ghanaian (from
Ghana, West Africa, a former colony of Britain. Ghana
achieved political independence in 1957, the first
sub-Saharan nation to do so.
Our public schools were, in those days (early to late
60’s), modeled after the British educational system.
Memorizing and reciting, upon demand, poems and verses
long and short, simple and complex, were an integral
and mandatory part of the education we received in
those days. Of course, as children, we did not
appreciate the beauty of the poems and the importance
they have in helping one to develop a masterful
command of a foreign language, such as English. (Ghana
has many traditional, native languages but English is
the official language).
This poem had such a powerful effect on me as a child.
When I graduated from Secondary School and "Advanced
Level" (in British terms), I temporarily served as a
primary school teacher myself. Guess what I did, then?
Yes, I made my middle school pupils learn this
wonderful poem that I, myself, had been made to learn
many years prior.
Of the many, many poems I was made to memorize many,
many years ago, I remember, to this day, the
beautiful, mystical, and enchanting “Abou ben Adhem”
and others such as the much-loved “Excelsior!” by
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807–1882.
Although my family and I live now in the United
States, finding Abou on the net has brought back to
me, many beautiful memories of childhood growing up
amid the laughter of children walking to school (no
school buses then), roads and streets serenaded by
mature coconut and palm trees, and our young skins
warmly massaged by the tropical sun and lush greens of
a beautiful and historic land, washed by the Atlantic
Ocean.
Ghana, like many African countries have sizeable
populations of people who are Islam and follow the
Islamic way of life. "Abou ben Adhem" was as natural
to us then as our visions of angels commiserating with
Abou.
Sorry that this is a bit long but .........
Thanks for the memories.
Jacob Andoh
Mitchellville, Maryland
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From: "Gail Bonnell" <gailbon@>
My father learned this poem as a very young child in Florida. He
memorized it word for word, and he never forgot a word of it. He was
still reciting it at age 89 prior to his (premature) death. I had his
minister read the poem at my father's memorial service.
From: "Martha Browning" <mabrowni@>
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Abou Ben Adhem was one of many that I had the privilege of studying and
memorizing
in my very small hometown in Mississippi. Our high school library was in
a 10' x 10'
room, but our teachers lovingly stretched our minds because they could.
I never felt that it was cast upon me as an infliction. Nor did my many
fifth graders throughout thirty-three years of teaching, even into this
century. Well, maybe a few. But they read, memorized, and wrote some of
the loveliest poems. And we developed quite an appreciation for that
genre, scholars or no.
It is a lovely story and FUN to recite. Powerful meaning.
Martha M . Browning
Lexington, Kentucky
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<DIV><FONT face"Verdana>Abou Ben Adhem was one of many that I had the
<EM>privilege </EM>of studying and memorizing </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face"Verdana>in my very small hometown in Mississippi. Our
high
school library was in a 10' x 10'</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face"Verdana>room, but our teachers lovingly stretched our
minds
because they <EM>could.</EM> I never felt that it was
cast upon
me as an infliction. Nor did my many fifth graders throughout
thirty-three years
of teaching, even into this century. Well, maybe a few. But they read,
memorized, and wrote some of the loveliest poems. And we developed quite
an
appreciation for that genre, scholars or no.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face"Verdana>It is a lovely story and FUN to recite.
Powerful
meaning.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face"Verdana></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face"Verdana>Martha M . Browning</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face"Verdana>Lexington, Kentucky</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>
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From: "Ed & Paulette Margulies" <margulies2@>
I was tickled by your comments about "Abou ben Adam". I WAS educated in
America and learned this poem in elementary school in the 1940's. One
can't deny its simple and beautiful message.
Ed Margulies
From: RayZoo@
I first memorized this poem in ninth grade because I had to memorize a poem
for AP English class. My mother, the granddaughter of a well loved and
respected librarian, knew many, many poems but encouraged me to learn this one.
I didn't, at the time, pay attention to the meaning. Now, as a mother, I can
see the prophetic meaning and really look forward to teaching my young
daughter this poem.
The love of poetry and reading lives on from generation to generation. What
a lovely gift to share.
Heather Ray
From: Planetvotto@
I was fascinated by the long list of testimonials honoring this poem. I began
looking for it after I took my 8 and 6 yr old kids to see the Merchant of
Venice and was recalling another inspirational verse I memorized long ago=E2=80=A6."The
quality of mercy is not strained...". My mother loved to read aloud and I
treasure Abou Ben Adhem both as something special from my childhood and as an
anchor I needed to locate as I search for wings. I have been reading Marcus=20Borg as
he attempts to find The Heart of Christianity. I found a Bartlett's Familiar
Quotations last week at the thrift store and discovered the author, James
Leigh Hunt (1784-1859) far more wise and eloquent than I could ever hope to=20be,
writing over 150 years ago.
I find it curious that these comments are being sent electronically via fancy
technology, yet the most powerful message in this collection of devoted
readers is that this poem must be committed to memory just like tales thousands of
years ago.
From: Gary Cser <garycser@>
From: "gloriborms" <gloriborms@>
Re: Abou Ben...#153
Thank you for helping my memory.
Would you be kind enough to give me the title of the book?
Obviously I'm not too literate with computers.
(I'm a native of Oklahoma lost in SC)
gloriborms@
From: "LEON BYNG" <lbyng172@>
I was looking at a religious program on TV, and all of a sudden the
first few lines of the poem came to my mind. My two teenage girls had
just had an argument that I mediated.
I immediately looked it up on the web and realized the message for my
daughter and printed it out for her to read and enjoy. I, too read it in
grade school and was absolutely enthralled with it the day we read it as
a class. I've never forgotten it. Thanks for posting it!
Leon of Boston, Mass
From: "MFEMFE & MFEMFEMFEMFEMF" <dlconaro@>
Linda
From: NathD@
I googled Abou Ben Adhem with some trepidation. Is NSA looking over my
shoulder? They are confused so easily.
From: Francis McTeigue <fkmct@>
From: "Drake Moser" <pcdrake@>
Thanks for posting the poem.
I had to remember this poem in 7th grade, 29 years ago.
I forgot many of the works since then and was glad to find them again.
I too, like Ben Adhem, asked the Lord to come in to my life and write me
into His book of life. I repented and now am saved, only with the grace of
God.
To all that read these comments, I pray you also, will ask and believe.
Drake
From: "Julia Spicer" <jspicer@>
Question: What is the pronunciation of "Abou": a boo, a bow, or what. Thanks.