“Ghost House” (a video recitation)

On By Michele LeeIn recitation, Verse, Video
I dwell in a lonely house I know
That vanished many a summer ago,
And left no trace but the cellar walls,
And a cellar in which the daylight falls
And the purple-stemmed wild raspberries grow.

O’er ruined fences the grape-vines shield
The woods come back to the mowing field;
The orchard tree has grown one copse
Of new wood and old where the woodpecker chops;
The footpath down to the well is healed.

I dwell with a strangely aching heart
In that vanished abode there far apart
On that disused and forgotten road
That has no dust-bath now for the toad.
Night comes; the black bats tumble and dart;

The whippoorwill is coming to shout
And hush and cluck and flutter about:
I hear him begin far enough away
Full many a time to say his say
Before he arrives to say it out.

It is under the small, dim, summer star.
I know not who these mute folk are
Who share the unlit place with me—
Those stones out under the low-limbed tree
Doubtless bear names that the mosses mar.

They are tireless folk, but slow and sad—
Though two, close-keeping, are lass and lad,—
With none among them that ever sings,
And yet, in view of how many things,
As sweet companions as might be had.
“Ghost House”by Robert Frost

Robert Frost was an American poet, born on March 26, 1874 in San Francisco, California. The recipient of four Pulitzer prizes for poetry, Frost was first published in 1894 in the New York Independent. He studied at Harvard for two years before leaving to support his family as a farmer on his late grandfather’s farm. He used the early morning hours to write poetry and worked on the farm for nine years before returning to his prior career, teaching. In 1912 Frost moved his family to Great Britain, where he befriended poet, Ezra Pound and it is there he published his first poetry book, A Boy’s Will. He returned to America in 1915.

Most of Frost’s poems depict rural life and are set in New England in the early twentieth century. He is known for his use of colloquial speech and for exploring complex social and philosophical themes. In 1960 Frost was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and in 1961 he was named Poet Laureate of Vermont. His famous poem, “The Road Not Taken,” was published in 1961. He died two years later, on January 29, 1963.

Happy Halloween!👻 Thank you for visiting and viewing. Be well. 💗 Michele

Photo: my image, Pioneer Cemetery Eugene, Oregon

Poem Reference: Robert Frost, poets.org Biography: RobertFrost.org, Poetry Foundation

© 2021 Michele Lee Sefton

72 thoughts on ““Ghost House” (a video recitation)”

    1. Thank you for appreciating my post, Phil. I appreciate the scene Frost created with his words. A mixture of spooky, rustic, nostalgic, nature, and sweetness. I am learning how to use a new phone – always something to learn! Patience, first and foremost! 😆 I am glad you enjoyed the post – thanks for your support. 😊 🙏🏻

      Liked by 2 people

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    1. Thank you, Timothy. I really appreciate your feedback. Me and my recitation hands are a work in progress. 😆 The dress is very special to me. It was my late aunt’s wedding dress that I inherited. I had not put it on until this video. Seemed like the right choice. 💗 BTW-I am learning how to use the camera/video feature in my new iPhone – much harder than memorizing 30 lines! It will be time for a new phone by the time I get this one figured out. 🤪 I did this recording last night, so that made lighting even more challenging. Fun stuff!

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      2. Thanks for the vote of confidence. 😁 I purchased two lights a few months back – I am still learning the best location and settings (too many options). I would rather write a poem or dance vs. studying lighting. 😆 Slowly but surely, I am getting there. Natural lighting is so much better, for photos and my brain!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Timothy Price

        If you have a good place for natural light, if you have a reflector, you can have the natural light on one side and use the reflector as fill light on you.

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      4. That is a wonderful idea. I actually might have a reflector from my late father’s equipment. The backyard is my preferred outdoor location for selfies. 🤪 Too noisy for videos, unfortunately. I suppose I could drag myself and my equipment to nearby trails like a proper photographer/videographer. Or hire one! 😁 Thanks a million for your help/advice. 🙏🏻

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Vicki Parham

      Great recitation Michele,

      I enjoyed your presentation. I was not familiar with this particular Frost poem.
      Perfect time to share!

      Always a pleasure visiting your blog.
      Much love and friendship 💚

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. Sometimes the unplanned holidays are the most enjoyable. If Halloween can be considered a holiday?? I will be dressing up a few times over the next two days, including for the trick-or-treaters, until 8, then it’s lights out. haha 🎃🍬🍫

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I am happy to read you enjoyed my post. 😊 I had a few other poems in mind earlier this week, but this one grew on me. I suppose I became enchanted too. 💖 Thank you for spending time with me, Ingrid. Enjoy your busy Halloween! 👻🎃🦇

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    1. I agree, although it took me a few readings to fully appreciate this one. The mysterious tone and imagery drew me in and his inclusion of birds made it a clear winner this week. 😄 Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

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  9. Wow, that was a gorgeous poem – so intricate and descriptive down to every word! I’ve always loved listening to books and poems being read aloud and your recitation was so beautifully presented!! ❤️

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    1. I love your enthusiasm, Deepthy. ✨ Hearing this one helped me to recognize the beautiful rhythm Frost created. Very subtle. I have yet to hear it read by someone else. I will get to that soon, which should be interesting. I may have to do it all over again! 😆 Thank you for dropping by – I hope school is going well. I am sure it is, with you at the wheel! 💖

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      1. I agree – his poems have a beautiful rhythm and flow and that coupled with nature themes is just stunning. My pleasure! It’s going okay – there’s quite a bit of uncertainty regarding offline classes and exams but I guess it’s all the new normal now😂 Aw thank you for the constant encouragement! You’re the kindest!❤️

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, LDN. 😀 Nice of you to catch that wedding dress chat detail. 👰🏻 I had not planned on wearing it during a poetry recitation and I had resisted putting it on for several years, but, yes, it seemed suitable for this ghostly moment. My aunt would have smiled. Best to you!

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  11. Awesome recitation of this beautiful poem by Robert Frost. 👏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼 Let me just say that I was like “Whoa” when your video transitioned from color to black and white. I didn’t know if an apparition was going to pop up or some special side-effect as I listened with anticipation! 👻 LOL Another wonderful job Michele. 🥰 I always enjoy seeing what you come up with next in your repertoire of goodies in your creative satchel! Have a FANtabulously creative and adventurous weekend my sweet friend! 💃🏼🥂🦋🐱‍🏍😘

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    1. I am thrilled you enjoyed the show. 🎬 😁 You know how much I appreciate your loving and supportive words, Kym. 💗 Thank you for noticing the B&W transition. It worked and it also corrected my failure to turn on the light on my phone for the final read. Kind of corrected. 😂 Oh, the (dimly lit) learning curve I am traveling! 🤪 Thanks for being here! Enjoy the weekend – I imagine you have something fun brewing. ✨💃🏽🌃😘

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Girl, I didn’t notice any little faux pas in the production of your video! 🤳🏼 Look honey, you are far ahead of the curve than I am. I tried before, but I am not all that good at production anyway! 😝 Nevertheless, I am going to enjoy the next few hours of daylight. 🌞🌟☀ Woo-hooo! 🥂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. A ghostly poem that I now can’t get out of my head. haha I am so glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you, Jeff. 🤗 B&W works for a ghostly tone. 👻 It is interesting to learn about the journey of other writers. For me, Halloween won’t make an appearance until I pass out candy later. Enjoy yours! 🍬🎃😄

      Liked by 1 person

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