Learn 8 Poems

So…..why learn poems??  Well I read somewhere that poets have the uncanny ability to tap into the realm of spirit. Poems enable us to transcend the mundane, and experience the world as we see and feel it. Poets have the ability to turn what to most people, are chaotic thoughts and feelings, into beautiful and meaningful works of art. Poets pass on what they have learned through their words and believe it is their duty to pass it on. All cultures revere their poets, none more so than my own, the Irish. We call them Seanchaí (shan-a-key) meaning the storytellers, the bards and the minstrels.
 
OK, it’s so difficult to pick just 8 poems!!  After all, poems are written about all aspects of life and death – love, loss, nature, beauty, human struggle, amusement etc.   In Ireland, we are blessed with having some of the world’s best poets that it’s almost impossible to pick only 8!!  We learn poems from Primary School upwards……and everyone has a favourite poem/ poet.
 
So forgive me if you don’t see your personal favourite here.  I’ve cast the net wider than just Irish poems/ poets….to those that resonate with me.  Some I remember from school (thanks to Mrs. Denny) and some I’ve learnt along the way.  3 of the poets I've chosen are called William!!  So here are 8 of my favourite poems which are in 

For all the tea in China
Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai - 11 Night Holiday – April 2012 
So, following our thoroughly enjoyable trip to Hong Kong in 2011, Charlie and I thought it might be a great idea to see more of China by visiting the mainland.  This would tick several items from my Bucket List.  There are few countries in the world with a culture as distinct as China.  It is HUGE; there’s over a billion people here covering 9.5 million square kilometres!  It’s also a country of contrasts, China offers thriving metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong as well as beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers, and plains in the West and Southern parts of the country. 
 
So, we wanted to do a taster trip showing us the present (Beijing), the past (Xi’an) and the future (Shanghai) of China.  In looking back now 8 years later what I remember most are the