Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825-1911) was born into a family of slaves in Baltimore; her parents and immediate family were however free of slavery. Her mother tragically died when Frances was just 3 years old. She was then brought up by her aunt and studied in her uncle's school that stored a wide range of scattered 2nd hand literature which she deeply fancied. She studied, then taught in a couple of states and more importantly thereafter stood as an abolishinist speaker; so respected was she and her work that she was published aged 21!

 I bring to you this week: Frances Harper. A woman who opened the path for countless African Americans ahead. A true unsung heroine.

Here's my spoken rendition of this classic love song that looks to forever stand the test of time. I hope speaking this would put a smile on Billy Joel's face.

Welcome to Pristine Prosody!

Lines Written in Early Spring is one of the opening verses of "Lyrical Ballads"; a revolutionary publication composed but Wordsworth and Coleridge. This poem was composed in 1798 by W. Wordsworth. In this poem he speaks of how happy thoughts are prompted by the flowers,  birds, etc. Nature has forged a strong connection between itself and the soul of mankind, but man has returned the favour by destroying his relations with his fellow man. 

One of her best loved verses, this song of Rossetti's is from the speaker to a beloved one.  It may come across as simple but it isn't as straightforward. Rossetti implies how there is an afterlife and once gone is not gone forever, even though the speaker maybe forgotten post his/her death. It is implied that though both parties may forget each other after the demise, the soul of the speaker always lives and dreams in the twilight. Recorded with love for my beloved departed ones.

Perhaps Love is one of my favourite lyrical ballads of the 80's. It was written by John Denver and besides being a gorgeous song - it makes for a beautiful recitation. A rich text like this can be dabbled with in so many ways. I deeply believe in the lyrics of this song, and I hope it inspires your view of it in some way. 

Do check out the original track on spotify. Perhaps Love - John Denver. ( I challenge you not to fall in love with it!) You're welcome. 

This was initially recorded for a dear friend. Popularly known as Gaiman's Sonnet of Love, it is composed in the style of the English sonnet and makes for a beautiful recitation. I hope you resonate with it!

This is simply a narration of Longfellow's "The Day is Done" ; a gorgeous piece of verse. I have voiced this for pleasure.