
A gentle, intimate voice guides listeners through a series of 19th‑century verses that linger on the fleeting bloom of youth. The opening poem introduces Fanny, a shy young woman whose beauty and modest age become a quiet meditation on longing, memory, and the subtle ache of unspoken admiration. The poet’s tone is tender yet observant, weaving personal sentiment with a soft humor that makes the reflections feel both timeless and warmly human.
Beyond Fanny’s portrait, the collection expands to capture the bustling streets of early New York, the rise of a modest merchant, and the paradoxes of wealth and ambition. The verses blend lyrical description with wry commentary, offering snapshots of everyday life, the allure of knowledge, and the restless pursuit of purpose. Listeners will find a harmonious mix of romance, social observation, and quiet wit, all delivered in a melodic cadence that invites repeated listening.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (82K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2010-12-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1790–1867
A witty early American poet who moved easily between satire and sentiment, he became one of the best-known voices of New York’s Knickerbocker circle. His poems helped shape a distinctly American literary style in the early 19th century.
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