The Night-Washers by Bliss Carman
A poetic exploration of the nighttime world and its inhabitants, including the "night-washers" themselves - a mysterious group of beings who roam the shadows, cleaning and maintaining the world's dark corners. Through their work, they imbue the night with a sense of order and purpose, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is always something to be done, always something to be cleaned.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Mystery, Fantasy · 499 words
First lines
Whe-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh! / We are the brothers of ghouls, and who / In the name of the Crooked Saints are you?
We are the washers of shrouds wherein / The lovers of beauty who sainted sin / Sleep till the Judgment Day begin.
Similar titles
- The Grave Tree by Bliss Carman
- White Iris by Bliss Carman
- At Twilight by Bliss Carman
- A Ripple Song by Rudyard Kipling
- To One Poem In A Silent Time by Alice Meynell
- The Ghost Yard Of The Goldenrod by Bliss Carman
Genres
- Poetry — The writings of Bliss Carman predominantly belong to the poetry genre and this work is no exception.
- Mystery — The title's reference to 'night-washers' may invoke a sense of mystery or secrecy.
- Fantasy — Given Carman's metaphorical language and imaginative themes, the 'night-washers' could be interpreted as a fantastical or otherworldly concept.
Tags
poetry · night · washing · water · moon · shadows · mystery · symbolism · nature · season · autumn · death
What this Textopian page supports
The Night-Washers is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Mystery, Fantasy
- Length: 499 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Night-Washers by Bliss Carman
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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