About the Author
E-Yeh-Shure was a Native American poet and writer. Her real name was Louise Abeita, and people also called her Blue Corn. She was born in 1926 in a place called Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico, USA. She loved writing about her culture and nature. When she was just 13 years old, she wrote her first book! E-Yeh-Shure wanted to show the world the beauty in simple things, like land, people, and daily life. Her poems make us feel happy and think about the good around us.
What’s the Story About?
This is a beautiful poem, not a long story like in books. The poet talks about beauty in a simple way. She says beauty is not just something fancy or far away. It is right here, all around us, every day. Let me tell you the poem step by step in easy words, so you can picture it like a fun walk in the park.
First, the poet says beauty is something we can see. Imagine a sunny morning. The bright sunlight falls on green trees. Birds fly and chirp happily in the sky. In the fields, yellow corn plants grow tall and strong. Farmers work hard to care for them. And when the crops are ready, everyone dances with joy to celebrate the harvest. All this – the light, the trees, the birds, the work, and the dance – is full of beauty. It makes our eyes smile!
Next, the poet says beauty is something we can hear. Think about nighttime. The wind blows softly and makes a gentle whooshing sound, like a sigh after a long day. Raindrops fall pitter-patter on the roof, like a soft song. Or listen to a singer who sings from the heart, with real feelings. Whether it's a sad tune or a happy one, if it's sung with true care, it sounds beautiful. These sounds fill our ears with peace and joy.
Finally, the poet whispers a secret: beauty is inside you! It's not just outside in the world. Beauty comes from good things you do, like helping a friend or sharing your toys. It's in happy thoughts that make you smile, even when you're alone. These good feelings come back again and again – in your dreams at night, when you work hard at school or play, and even when you rest quietly. So, beauty starts with how you think and act. The poet wants us to know: look closely, listen well, and be kind – then you'll find beauty everywhere!
The poem is short but teaches us to notice the small wonders in life. It's like a friend reminding you to stop and enjoy the world.
Who’s Who in the Story
This poem doesn't have characters like a hero or a villain in a fairy tale. Instead, it paints pictures of everyday people and things that show beauty. Here's a simple list:
- The Poet's Voice: The main speaker is the poet herself. She talks directly to us, like a wise aunt sharing a happy secret.
- Farmers and Dancers: These are simple village people. They work in the fields and dance when the harvest comes. They show beauty in hard work and fun celebrations.
- The Singer: A person who sings songs with real heart. Not a famous star, but anyone who sings truly – maybe your grandma or a friend.
- Nature's Friends: Things like sunlight, trees, birds, wind, rain, and growing corn. They are not people, but they feel alive and full of beauty, like quiet helpers in the poem.
No one is the "star," but together they make the poem come alive!
Themes and Moral
Themes (Big Ideas):
- Beauty is Everywhere: The poem shows beauty in nature (like trees and rain), in sounds (like wind and songs), and inside our hearts (like good deeds). It's not hidden; it's in plain sight!
- See with Your Heart: Beauty isn't just for the eyes. We feel it with all our senses – seeing, hearing, and even thinking happy thoughts.
- Simple Things Matter: Big, shiny things aren't the only beautiful ones. Everyday work, rest, and kindness are just as special.
Moral (The Lesson): Beauty is like a treasure hunt – it's all around you, but you have to look and listen with a kind heart to find it. Be good to others and yourself, and your life will feel full of beauty every day. The poem teaches us to say "thank you" for small joys, like a sunny day or a friend's smile.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the poem. I picked easy ones and explained them in simple words, like chatting with a friend. No big dictionary needed!
| Word/Phrase | Meaning in Easy Words | Example from Poem/Life |
|---|---|---|
| Sunlight | Bright light from the sun that warms us. | We see beauty in the sunlight falling on trees. (Like playing outside on a sunny day.) |
| Corn growing | Maize plants getting taller in the field. | Corn growing shows beauty in nature's slow work. (Like watching a seed turn into a tall plant.) |
| Harvest | The happy time when crops are ready to pick. | People dance for their harvest. (Like celebrating Diwali after hard work at home.) |
| Sighing | A soft, deep breath, like letting out a tired but happy sound. | Wind sighing in the night. (Like sighing after eating a yummy meal.) |
| Rain falling | Drops of water coming down from clouds. | We hear beauty in rain falling. (Like the sound during monsoon that makes you cozy inside.) |
| Chanting | Singing a song slowly and with feeling. | A singer chanting anything. (Like your teacher singing a bhajan in school assembly.) |
| In earnest | With true heart and no pretending – really meaning it. | Chanting anything in earnest. (Like saying sorry to a friend because you really feel bad.) |
| Good deeds | Kind acts you do for others, like helping or sharing. | Beauty is in good deeds. (Like giving your lunch to a hungry classmate.) |
| Happy thoughts | Nice ideas in your mind that make you smile. | Happy thoughts that repeat in dreams. (Like thinking of a fun picnic with family.) |
| Repeat themselves | Happen again and again, like a loop. | Thoughts that repeat in your work. (Like a favorite song you hum every day.) |
These words make the poem fun to read. Try using them in your own sentences – it helps remember!