Running Away by Amy Ella Blanchard
The work is a cautionary narrative employing a rhythmic, nursery rhyme style to address the vulnerability of youth. It juxtaposes the innocent desire for exploration against the harsh realities of a dangerous, unpredictable world. The text employs simple, repetitive language and vivid imagery to reinforce the message that the world beyond the safety of home poses significant risks, particularly for those who are unprotected and inexperienced. Parenting and protective guidance are central themes, with the speaker urging the child to remain within the secure confines of home rather than face the potential harm of an unkind external environment. The narrative warns that the impulses of youth, though natural and curious, can lead to unforeseen injury and emotional pain if not tempered by caution. The recurring motifs emphasize the importance of comfort, security, and the nurturing embrace that no external adventure can replace.
By Amy Ella Blanchard · First published 1891 · Genre: Nursery Rhyme, Children's Literature, Poetry · 151 words
First lines
Where are you going, my little man? / Running away just as fast as you can- / Babies are little, and babies will fall / If babies run fast, when babies are small.
Oh, the world is stormy and rough, / You'll find it out, dear, soon enough, / Tender, wee feet will be hurt on the road, / Dear little heart will ache under its load.
Stay at home, darling, the world is so cold, / 'Twill frown on you, baby, because it is old, / Warm is the home nest, my brave little man, / Let mother's arms keep you, dear heart, while they can.
What this Textopian page supports
Running Away is listed on Textopian as a short story by Amy Ella Blanchard, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Amy Ella Blanchard
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nursery Rhyme, Children's Literature, Poetry, Cautionary Tale
- Length: 151 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Running Away by Amy Ella Blanchard
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Nursery Rhyme — The simple, repetitive, and rhythmic verse fits traditional nursery rhymes used for young children.
- Children's Literature — The subject matter and language are tailored to a young audience, making it a part of children's literature.
- Poetry — The work's lyrical structure and use of verse classify it as a piece of poetry.
- Cautionary Tale — The narrative warns about the dangers of venturing into a harsh world, a hallmark of cautionary tales.
Tags
coming-of-age · adventure · escape · self-discovery · independence · identity · resilience · family-dynamics · personal-growth · betrayal · societal-pressure · isolation