Poetry logo

Poem of the day

Categories

Poetry Hubs

Simple Poetry's mission is to bring the beauty of poetry to everyone, creating a platform where poets can thrive.

Copyright Simple Poetry © 2026 • All Rights Reserved • Made with ♥ by Baptiste Faure.

Shortcuts

  • Poem of the day
  • Categories
  • Search Poetry
  • Contact

Ressources

  • Request a Poem
  • Submit a Poem
  • Help Center (FAQ)
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
Browse poems by categories

Poems about Love

Poems about Life

Poems about Nature

Poems about Death

Poems about Friendship

Poems about Inspirational

Poems about Heartbreak

Poems about Sadness

Poems about Family

Poems about Hope

Poems about Happiness

Poems about Loss

Poems about War

Poems about Dreams

Poems about Spirituality

Poems about Courage

Poems about Freedom

Poems about Identity

Poems about Betrayal

Poems about Loneliness

Poetry around the world

Barcelona Poetry Events

Berlin Poetry Events

Buenos Aires Poetry Events

Cape Town Poetry Events

Dublin Poetry Events

Edinburgh Poetry Events

Istanbul Poetry Events

London Poetry Events

Melbourne Poetry Events

Mexico City Poetry Events

Mumbai Poetry Events

New York City Poetry Events

Paris Poetry Events

Prague Poetry Events

Rome Poetry Events

San Francisco Poetry Events

Sydney Poetry Events

Tokyo Poetry Events

Toronto Poetry Events

Vancouver Poetry Events

Harlan Hoge Ballard

Harlan Hoge Ballard was an American author, poet, and educator born on October 20, 1853. He was a notable figure in the literary and educational communities of his time. Ballard is remembered for his contributions to American poetry and his role in education, particularly through his association with various literary societies and his work promoting the natural sciences. His literary legacy includes several published works that continue to be studied for their artistic and cultural significance. He passed away on April 28, 1934.

October 20, 1853

April 28, 1934

English

Harlan Hoge Ballard

In The Catacombs

Sam Brown was a fellow from way down East,
Who never was "staggered" in the least.
No tale of marvellous beast or bird
Could match the stories he had heard;
No curious place or wondrous view
"Was ekil to Podunk, I tell yu."

If they told him of Italy's sunny clime,
"Maine kin beat it, every time!"
If they marvelled at Ætna's fount of fire,
They roused his ire:
With an injured air
He'd reply, "I swear
I don't think much of a smokin' hill;
We've got a moderate little rill
Kin make yer old volcaner still;
Jes' pour old Kennebec down the crater,
'N' I guess it'll cool her fiery nater!"

They showed him a room where a queen had slept;
"'Twan't up to the tavern daddy kept."
They showed him Lucerne; but he had drunk
From the beautiful Mo...

Harlan Hoge Ballard