Burns

Poetry is something personal and private, often it resounds differently to different people. It as unique as fingerprints. Old books of verse, even those for children, are often worth reading. Life's few objects should be chosen with care. Donate your excess and be sure your life is as close to ideal and simple as possible.

One example of a great old book of verse, for adults to read and of course for kids is the 1904 book Poems Every Child Should Know, read it all here, edited by Mary Burt. This excerpt below is from Robert Burns [1759-1796], the famous Scottish poet. It's an excellent way to improve and expand horizons on reading and language. Understanding that every language changes and how to interpret new or oddly spelled words in context is a great skill. The imagery is incredible as well.

To a Mountain Daisy,
ON TURNING ONE DOWN WITH THE PLOW IN APRIL, 1786

[...]

The flaunting flowers our gardens yield,High sheltering woods and wa's maun shield,But thou, beneath the random bieldO' clod or stane,Adorns the histie stibble-field,Unseen, alane.

There, in thy scanty mantle clad,Thy snawie bosom sunward spread,Thou lifts thy unassuming headIn humble guise;But now the share uptears thy bed,And low thou lies!

Such is the fate of artless maid,Sweet floweret of the rural shade!By love's simplicity betrayed,And guileless trust,Till she, like thee, all soiled, is laidLow i' the dust.

Such is the fate of simple bard,On life's rough ocean luckless starr'd!Unskilful he to note the cardOf prudent lore,Till billows rage, and gales blow hard,And whelm him o'er![...]