The Dinny Math
Nora Hopper Chesson
1871 to 1906
(To W. B. Y.)
We are the gentle people:
The passing dust we are,
With gusty laughter blowing
Near and far.
We are the gentle people,
Nor deal in praise or blame,
But we stand before your sorrow,
And we stand behind your shame.
We are the gentle people,
And soft our music's blown
When kindly hearts that loved us
Are passing from their own.
We are the gentle people,
And gently draw away
The light feet to our dancing
Night and day.
We are the gentle people,
And though our toll we take
Of milk and meal and water —
For old sake's sake
Ye grudge us not, who grudge not
To watch your folded kine,
To bless the wheels and the pillows
And the lace-threads fine.
We are the gentle people,
Mavrone, and we shall pass
Even as the dew, that Morning
Dries from the short green grass.
Oh, the dew returns at twilight,
But not so we —
We shall pass like wind, so be ye kind
To the passing Shee.
Nora Hopper Chesson's The Dinny Math
We are busy working to bring Nora Hopper Chesson's "The Dinny Math" to life through our unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you soon.
At V2Melody, each arrangement is crafted with care through a thoughtful partnership of human artistry and technological innovation. This process involves:
- Deep analysis of the poem's rhythm, structure, and emotional essence
- Careful selection of musical styles that enhance the poem's unique voice
- Balancing traditional poetic expression with contemporary sound landscapes
- Multiple revisions to ensure the arrangement honors the poet's original vision
This creative journey takes time—each composition represents hours of dedicated work to create something that deepens our connection to Nora Hopper Chesson's words in meaningful ways.
While you wait for our complete interpretation, we invite you to explore other musical arrangements in our gallery or learn more about Nora Hopper Chesson's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "The Dinny Math" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.
Create a Cloze Exercise
Click the button below to print a cloze exercise of the poem critique. This exercise is designed for classroom use.