The poem
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 cheerly still, and said "I pray thee, then, Write me as one that 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.
I learn this poem in the 9th grade and last night remembered parts of it. Now at age 61, it came back to my thoughts, with I might add a greater appreciation. On another subject the poem by Longfellow, A Psalm of Life came back to my thoughts also, which I also can relate to with greater understanding.
I first felt this poem in my literature class while at Wentworth Institute, Boston, MA in the summer of 1969. To this day the verses, although tangled, pop in and out of my mind. Through the years I have always pleasured in its words. As the years pass, I occasionally look up this poem and feel a greater appreciation for its meaning.
When I was in the third grade I learned this poem. I have never forgotten it. I still know all the words and have often recited it to others and myself through the years. While on a flight on an airplane recently I was doing the crossword in the flight magazine and Abu was one of the fillins. They gave Ben Adhem as the clue. I had forgotten how it was spelled until then and so I looked it up on this website. I am 61 years old and went to school in Arcadia, CA. Does anyone else remember this?
I learned this poem when I was in 5th grade and now 35 years later I can still recite it from memory. Somehow I find this poem very comforting.
many years ago I taught this poem as part of a basal reading program.was always fascinated by it. last night
i started to quote it in a christian bible study.another person there began to join in.much food for thought in these times of searching.
I FIRST LEARNED THIS POEM IN 1ST GRADE. IT WAS THE FIRST POEM I HEARD AND COULD RECITE IT AS WRITEN. OVER THE YEARS I COULD ONLY REMEMBER THE FIRST TWO LINES. I'M 83 YEARS OLD AND AM GLAD THAT I FOUND THE POEM IN ITS ENTIRETY. I LOVE IT!!!!
every body is interest in this poem in late ages
We were told to memorize this poem when I was in a fifth grade class in a NYC public school many, many years ago. I am amazed that I have never forgotten it. I had never had much formal religious training, but immediately found this poem profoundly meaningful.
I just turned 72 and tried to find this poem that has been on my mind since elementary school. My dear friend and I were sent to other classes to recite this poem in an "old fashion damnation preacher" rote. I could only remember the first two lines, so when I found it on your wonderful site, it brought back such fond memories.
When I was a little boy, my father would recite this poem to me and I have never forgotten it. My father was well read and encouraged me to read the many books he owned. The poem came to mind this evening once again and I decided to search out its origin. I am 68 years old.
I too enjoyed this poem in a poetry reading class at Holy Name Elementary in Cleveland Ohio over 40 years ago. It is nice to see that the beauty of it is so well traveled and timeless
I first heard this poem recited by my Grandfather when I was in my early twenties (mid-90s). He especially loved to quote the first two lines when he observed the chaos created by his MANY grandchildren in the living room at family gatherings. The verse struck me as so very appropriate for a man who loved, and was loved by in return, his fellow men and chose to 'increase the tribe" by sharing his knowledge and joie de vivre with his friends and extensive family. Grandpa was buried on July 11, 2006 at the age of 86.
This poem was included in a booklet celebrating his life and the lives of those he enriched at his funeral mass. I know he will now sleep in peace forever...
I too have fond memories of this poem. My Uncle, now deceased used to read it to me when I was a young girl. He helped to spark my love of poetry. it also sticks with me, although its meaning elluded me until recently. By the way, I am 40, so young by this postings standards, nice to know this poem lives on.
My dad, John, is 88 years old. Throughout my life he has quota the first few lines and earlier in my life the whole poem, Abu Ben Adhem. Tonight he, my mom and I were eating, my dad started quoting the poem again, and we found it here on this web site and printed it. The learned it 80 years ago in the 3rd grade. It has always been meaninful to him, and is to me as well. My dad, never a religious man, truly epitomizes one who loves his fellow man, and I know his name will be written in God's book.
abou ben adham
it is a very nice poem .and leigh hunt being a christian had done a good work. by writing this poem it means tat he is impressed by islam.