James Henry Leigh Hunt (19 October 1784 – 28 August 1859 / Southgate, London)

i had this poem in my course in Pakistan forty some years ago. the beauty of a classic is that it is relevant in almost all ages. and its true for this poem in these turbulent times. Ben means son of.

Interesting poem. First came across it when I was in La Salle School (Jesselton) eons ago. Well worth revisiting from time to time...

I memorized this poem at Princeton Junior High School in Youngstown, Ohio in the 1960's.
My teacher was Mr. O'Neal, I think. I loved this poem! It was brought to mind at my Ladies Bible Study today as we contemplated the Lamb's Book of God. I was so excited to locate the whole poem on my first try! Thanks!

I had to memorize and recite this poem before my 4th grade class. I loved it! I remember the joy my male teacher had in reciting this poem to us. Just reading it brings tear to my eyes.

I learnt this poem 50 years ago in my school in Calcutta and it came back to me recently. I've always loved the sentiments behind it. What amaze me are the parallels in my life today. I have extreme love for God and would love to think that I had a special place in His heart. As it happens I belong to a spiritual university based on Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India. In Hindi the word Ben means sister and of course Adam we all know.

We had to learn this poem in our middle school. It has always been one of my favourite poems. Yesterday, I was talking about this poem with a friend and I realised had forgotten the lines. I had to look it up and am so glad I found it today. Thank you poemhunter! You've made my day. This poem brings back fond memories of school and my favourite teachers.

I learned this poem in the 4th grade by my all-time favorite teacher, Miss Sue Taylor. She enhanced out learning by teaching us poetry and songs. I don't know what happened to her, but she left our school the following year. I think I learned more from her than any other teacher in my entire academic career. I, like other posters here, still have this poem committed to memory. If anyone knows how to get in contact with Ms. Taylor, please let me know. I'm on Facebook. By the way, I just came across this poem today on the Washington Post's online crossword puzzle. There's one answer I could surely answer!

I was once again reminded of my early teens whilst reading Abou Ben Adhem, I was taken back to a sunny August in the early 1980’s, sitting in my class gazing dreamily out of the window, the sun on my face and listening to the note filled voice Mr Jack Tarr my eccentric English teacher. He would read it aloud as though he were an actor and sometimes, believe it or not! standing on his head up on his desk…True!

'Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, ' volumes can be written on this one line this is what poetry is all about

When I was a boy I used to listen to this poem recited by my Grandfather
Raymond Henry Van Wyck complete with beautiful strains of brahms
symphony recorded on a reel to reel. I memorized it yet it just is not the
same without the background symphony playing and a toastmasters
diction really putting you in a deep dream of sleep!