Reading: "Hope" is the thing with feathers

"Hope" is the thing with feathers

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –

I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.

Click the icon to hear the word. Try to guess the meaning, then read the definition and translation.

Feathers

The soft, light covering of a bird’s body.

IPA: /ˈfeðərz/ | Chinese: 羽毛 (yǔmáo) | Spanish: plumas
Perches

Sits or rests on something, usually above the ground.

IPA: /pɜːrtʃɪz/ | Chinese: 栖息 (qīxī) | Spanish: se posa
Gale

A very strong wind.

IPA: /ɡeɪl/ | Chinese: 大风 (dàfēng) | Spanish: vendaval
Sore

Very serious; severe; also means painful.

IPA: /sɔːr/ | Chinese: 严重的/疼痛的 (yánzhòng de/téngtòng de) | Spanish: severo/dolorido
Abash

To make someone feel embarrassed, ashamed, or unable to respond.

IPA: /əˈbæʃ/ | Chinese: 使羞愧 (shǐ xiūkuì) | Spanish: avergonzar
Chillest

Coldest; most cold.

IPA: /ˈtʃɪlɪst/ | Chinese: 最冷的 (zuì lěng de) | Spanish: el más frío
Strangest

Most unusual or surprising.

IPA: /ˈstreɪndʒɪst/ | Chinese: 最奇怪的 (zuì qíguài de) | Spanish: el más extraño
Extremity

A very difficult or dangerous situation; the furthest point or limit.

IPA: /ɪkˈstrɛm.ə.t̬i/ | Chinese: 极端情况 (jíduān qíngkuàng) | Spanish: extremo
Crumb

A very small piece of bread, cake, or other food.

IPA: /krʌm/ | Chinese: 面包屑 (miànbāo xiè) | Spanish: miga

Answer these questions about the poem, "Hope" is the thing with feathers.