Poem "Paradise" by James Baldwin

The Poem " Paradise" by Poet James Baldwin is a famous poem from an African-American Poet. The poem presents a very important message for the mortal man in this mortal world that how to make this life a paradise by observing and rejoicing simple things in life. It tells us to mark company of a loved one as a real heavenly bounty.

In the name of ALLAH, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Paradise by James Baldwin

James Arthur Baldwin ( August 2, 1924 - December 1, 1987), born in Harlem, New York, was an African-American novelist, essayist, lecturer, playwright, poet, short story writer and civil rights activist who garnered acclaim for his essays, novels, plays, and poems. His 1953 novel "Go Tell It on the Mountain" has been ranked by Time magazine as one of the top 100 English-language novels. He is quoted o have said “The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose”; “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”; “Everybody's journey is individual" ; "If you fall in love with a boy, you fall in love with a boy".

Here; we are discussing his poem "Paradise" where the poet paints a vivid picture of cherished memories intertwined with reality: azure skies, rolling seas, and life’s bittersweet lessons. It beautifully captures the essence of living fearlessly and the timeless connection between “us” and “me.” This piece is a powerful ode to treasured moments and the solace they provide.

Professor Roberts fond the poem "Paradise" as laden with the influences of "Countee Cullen", who is a poet of the Harlem Renaissance, Baldwin’s former middle school teacher, a Clinton graduate, and was once an editor for The Magpie. Professor Roberts also argued that "Paradise" can be considered as having elements of romanticism.

The Poem says that if we want to enjoy life than our happiness shall be based on the bounties of Mother Nature such as blue sky across the rolling sea, with clouds fluttering smilingly over the heads of me and you while we are engrossed in laughter filled talks. It further says that childhood is the glorious stage of life and and a youthful day is carefree under a shining Sun in such a way that even heaven smiles and tears and sighs are far away. Let us gather happiness; while the Earth may keep revolving with woes and for me solace is in the feeling that you love me. The life in love is like living up above in clouds with hand in hands going through meadows and this feeling is the real joy of life. Now let's read the Poem itself in the following:-

PARADISE by James Baldwin

Let this be my summertime

Of azure sky and rolling sea,

And smiling clouds, and wind-kissed laughter,

And just myself entranced with thee.

And children playing in the glory

Of a carefree, youthful day,

And sunshine shining from the heavens,

And tears and sighing fled away.

Let this be my happiness

'Midst the earth's swift-flowing woe.

Let this be my only solace-