Christmas Bells (Version 2)

Christmas Bells is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, written on Christmas Day in 1863 during the American Civil War. It contrasts the message of peace associated with Christmas and the harsh realities of war. First published in February 1865, it was later set to music by John Baptiste Calkin in 1872, becoming widely known as 'I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day.' Longfellow, a prominent fireside poet, is celebrated for his ability to blend personal and historical themes in his work.