Upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th 1666 is a poem written by Anne Bradstreet, one of the first published poets in the English language and the first female poet in the British North American colonies. The poem is a reflection on the destruction of Bradstreet's home by a fire in 1666 and the loss of her possessions.
The poem begins with a description of the fire and the way it spread through the house, consuming everything in its path. Bradstreet writes about how she and her family watched as their possessions, including books, clothes, and jewelry, were destroyed by the flames. Despite the devastation, Bradstreet remains stoic, writing that she is thankful that no one was injured or killed in the fire.
As the poem progresses, Bradstreet reflects on the material possessions that she has lost and the emotional attachment she had to them. She writes about the books that she loved and the clothes that she had worn, and how difficult it is to see them reduced to ashes.
Despite the loss of her possessions, Bradstreet finds solace in her faith and her belief in a higher power. She writes that God is in control and that everything happens for a reason, even when it is difficult to understand. Bradstreet believes that the fire was a test of her faith and that she has passed it by remaining strong and accepting the loss.
The final stanza of the poem is a prayer in which Bradstreet asks for God's guidance and protection in the aftermath of the fire. She acknowledges that the loss of her possessions is a small thing compared to the greater suffering of others and asks for the strength to endure.
Upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th 1666 is a poignant and deeply moving poem that speaks to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. It is a testament to Bradstreet's faith and her belief in the power of God to guide and protect her, even in the darkest of times.
"Upon the Burning of Our House" is a poem written by Anne Bradstreet, a colonial American poet and the first woman to be published in the English-speaking world. The poem was written in July 1666, after the Great Fire of London had destroyed much of the city, including Bradstreet's home.
In the poem, Bradstreet reflects on the experience of losing her home and possessions to the fire. She writes about the sadness and grief that accompanied the loss, but also expresses gratitude for the things that were spared, including her own life and the lives of her family. Bradstreet writes, "And when I could no longer look, I blest / His grace that gave and took, that laid me low / And meekly told His will to suffer so."
Bradstreet's poem speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find joy and gratitude even in the face of great loss. It is a reminder that material possessions are fleeting and that our true worth and happiness come from within.
The poem also serves as a reminder of the power of natural disasters and the importance of being prepared for them. The Great Fire of London was a devastating event that destroyed much of the city, but it also served as a catalyst for rebuilding and renewal.
In conclusion, "Upon the Burning of Our House" is a poignant and moving reflection on the experience of loss and the power of the human spirit to find hope and resilience in difficult times. It is a reminder of the importance of cherishing the things that truly matter in life and being prepared for the challenges that may come our way.
