The Gift by Bliss Carman (1912)
A poem about the power of love and sacrifice. The speaker reflects on a gift given to them by someone they love, which has the ability to heal and transform. The poem explores the idea that true gifts are not material things, but rather the love and care that goes into giving them.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, American literature · 181 words
First lines
I said to Life, "How comes it, With all this wealth in store, Of beauty, joy, and knowledge, Thy cry is still for more?
"Count all the years of striving To make thy burden less, -- The things designed and fashioned To gladden thy success!
"The treasures sought and gathered Thy lightest whim to please, -- The loot of all the ages, The spoil of all the seas!
"Is there no end of labor, No limit to thy need? Must man go bowed forever In bondage to thy greed? "
What this Textopian page supports
The Gift is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, American literature, Canadian literature
- Length: 181 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Gift by Bliss Carman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Gift?
- How does this poem by Bliss Carman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman was predominantly known as a poet, and 'The Gift' illustrates his lyrical and emotional writing style using poetic expressions and images.
- Romanticism — Carman's 'The Gift' features themes of nature and emotion that are known aspects of the Romantic genre.
- American literature — Though Canadian by birth, Carman was part of the American literary movement, and this work is no exception as it explores themes common in American literature, like individualism and nature.
- Canadian literature — As a Canadian author, Carman's work falls under Canadian literature. It adds to the body of literary works by Canadian authors and reflects Canadian themes.
Tags
poetry · gift · nature · love · loss · longing · memory · inspiration · wonder · magic · mystery · transcendence