Tween Challenge: "Solitude" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Finally! Here is a performance by someone in the age range I have targeted for this poem! How about it, middle-schoolers - If you can top Melodie Cyr's recitation of "Solitude," I want to hear from you!

Gail McGaffigan Stricken at Home; Grateful for Survival

Dear Friends,

I have been hospitalized in Neural Intensive Care since Wed., Jan. 21, after suffering a ruptured brain aneurism. I will be here for some time. Although my recovery is a very painful road, I am expecting an excellent outcome.

It will be a while before I'm well enough to write again. In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy my existing blogs and books.

Please do not send any flowers or money, but cards and letters would be very much appreciated; not just for myself, but also for my husband and children who are struggling with this.
(I do not wish to attract spammers, but please be sure to address this as you would a typical PO Box)...

Mrs. Gail McGaffigan
Post Office Box SIX TWO TWO TWO
Warwick, Rhode Island ZERO TWO EIGHT EIGHT SEVEN

This is also a critical time to pray for me not to have a relapse; I am at high risk for that for at least another week, before my chances begin to improve. Pray that I do not suffer any "vasospasms," or at least that I am strong enough to bear them.

Sincerely,

Gail

Teen Challenge: Dream Within A Dream - Edgar Allan Poe

OK, this man is not really a teen, either; but, hey, he's great! Can you top his recitation? Send us your performance!

Teen Challenge: 'Death Be Not Proud' by John Donne

Yup, we need a teen doing a vid of this one, too. In the meantime, watch Julian Glover and prepare to be inspired!

Teen Challenge: Love's Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Teens, can any one of you rival John Doyle's reading of this poem? Send in your video (serious entries, only; no snarky stuff, please).

Teen Challenge: The Daffodils by William Wordsworth

I could listen to this Youtube poster all day. His tone and expression are so touching, don't you think so? We need a video of a teen doing this poem

Adult Challenge: "The Village Blacksmith" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Jonathan F. Jones does a great job here, but I much prefer videos that show you, our readers, performing the poetry for us.  Well, how about it? Will you be the one to send me the definitive Classical Reciter video of "The Village Blacksmith?"