S4 E8: Three Girls by Hazel Hall
Hazel Hall (1886 - 1924) was an American poet born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on February 7, 1886, and raised in Portland, Oregon. She is often described as the "Emily Dickinson of Oregon" due to her introspective and lyrical poetry, as well as her reclusive lifestyle. Hazel’s work often explored themes of nature, beauty, and the inner world of emotions. Her poetry received recognition for its depth and imagery, contributing to the literary landscape of the Pacific Northwest during the early 20th century.
Poem “Three Girls” by Hazel Hall
Three school-girls pass this way each day:
Two of them go in the fluttery way
Of girls, with all that girlhood buys;
But one goes with a dream in her eyes,
Two of them have the eyes of girls
Whose hair is learning scorn of curls,
But the eyes of one are like wide doors
Opening out on misted shores.
And they will go as they go to-day
On to the end of life’s short way;
Two will have what living buys,
And one will have the dream in her eyes.
Two will die as many must,
And fitly dust will welcome dust;
But dust has nothing to do with one —
She dies as soon as her dream is done.
The poem “Three Girls” depicts the contrasting paths of three schoolgirls as they navigate through life. It portrays the dreams and aspirations of one girl set apart from the others, emphasizing the idea of pursuing individual dreams and the potential hardships that may accompany such pursuits. The poem reflects on themes of resilience, determination, and the significance of following one’s unique aspirations, despite societal expectations. “Three Girls” underscores the lasting impact of the choices individuals make and the distinct outcomes that may result from these choices.
Overall, the poem serves as a reflection on the complexities of human ambition and the diverse trajectories that unfold in the journey of life.
Recitation by Rebecca Budd
Three Girls Image created by Rebecca Budd using Bing Co-pilot from a prompt "three girls in 1800's attire in field of flowers)
Music by Epidemic Sound
David Celeste “Planting the Seeds” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/IBlGXBtUbu/
