Meaning: The quote "Oft when the white, still dawn lifted the skies and pushed the hills apart, I have felt it like a glory in my heart" is from the poet Edwin Markham. Through this evocative verse, Markham captures the profound feelings of awe and wonder that can accompany the beauty of a tranquil, early morning scene. The imagery of the white, still dawn lifting the skies and pushing the hills apart conveys a sense of calm and serenity, while the description of feeling "it like a glory in my heart" suggests a deeply spiritual or transcendent experience. In this analysis, I will explore the themes and emotions evoked by this quote, as well as provide some background information about the poet Edwin Markham.

The quote's imagery of a "white, still dawn" evokes a sense of purity and tranquility. The use of the color white often symbolizes innocence, peace, and new beginnings, while the word "still" suggests a quiet and undisturbed atmosphere. This sets the stage for a moment of profound natural beauty and stillness, as the dawn lifts the skies and pushes the hills apart. The act of the dawn "pushing the hills apart" conveys a sense of the world awakening and unfolding before the observer's eyes, as if nature itself is revealing its splendor in a grand and majestic display.

Markham's description of feeling "it like a glory in my heart" conveys a deeply emotional and spiritual response to the natural world. The word "glory" carries connotations of divine radiance and magnificence, suggesting that the experience of witnessing the dawn's beauty is akin to a transcendent or religious awakening. The phrase "in my heart" emphasizes the deeply personal and emotional nature of this experience, indicating that it is not just a visual spectacle, but something that resonates within the core of one's being.

Edwin Markham, the poet behind this quote, was an American poet and educator who lived from 1852 to 1940. He is perhaps best known for his poem "The Man with the Hoe," which brought him widespread acclaim and established him as a prominent literary figure. Markham's poetry often dealt with themes of social justice, human dignity, and the beauty of the natural world. His writing reflected his deep concern for the plight of the working class and his belief in the power of poetry to inspire positive change in society.

In addition to his poetic pursuits, Markham was also a respected educator and lecturer. He served as the principal of a high school in California and later became a professor of English literature. Throughout his career, he remained committed to using his writing and teaching to advocate for social reform and to uplift the human spirit.

The quote "Oft when the white, still dawn lifted the skies and pushed the hills apart, I have felt it like a glory in my heart" exemplifies Markham's ability to capture the profound beauty and emotional resonance of the natural world. Through his evocative language and imagery, he invites readers to share in his sense of wonder and awe at the majesty of the dawn. The quote also reflects Markham's belief in the power of nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit, a theme that permeates much of his poetry.

In conclusion, Edwin Markham's quote "Oft when the white, still dawn lifted the skies and pushed the hills apart, I have felt it like a glory in my heart" beautifully encapsulates the profound emotions and spiritual resonance that can accompany the experience of witnessing the beauty of the natural world. Through his evocative language and imagery, Markham invites readers to share in his sense of wonder and awe at the majesty of the dawn, while also conveying his belief in the power of nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit. His enduring legacy as a poet and advocate for social justice continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the enduring power of poetry to touch the human heart and soul.