To a Young Lady on Her Birthday by Bliss Carman

Name: To a Young Lady on Her Birthday
Author: Bliss Carman

The poem is a tribute to a young woman on her birthday. It describes her as a beautiful and radiant being, with a presence that illuminates the world around her. The speaker expresses admiration for her youth, beauty, and vitality, comparing her to a flower in full bloom. The poem also touches on themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life, suggesting that the young woman's beauty is both captivating and ephemeral. The tone is one of reverence and appreciation, with the speaker acknowledging the young woman's unique qualities and celebrating her existence.

By Bliss Carman · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Literature, Romantic · 169 words

First lines

The marching years go by / And brush your garment's hem. / The bandits by and by / Will bid you go with them.

Trust not that caravan! / Old vagabonds are they; / They'll rob you if they can, / And make believe it's play.

Make the old robbers give / Of all the spoils they bear, -- / Their truth, to help you live, -- / Their joy, to keep you fair.

Ask not for gauds nor gold, / Nor fame that falsely rings; / The foolish world grows old / Caring for all these things.

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To a Young Lady on Her Birthday 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, Literature, Romantic, Coming-of-age
Length: 169 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for To a Young Lady on Her Birthday by Bliss Carman
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Genres

Poetry — Bliss Carman is a renowned poet, and this piece, given its title and author, is likely to be a poem directed to a young lady celebrating a birthday.
Literature — This appears to be a literary work due to its poetic nature, its emotional depth, and its focus on personal themes such as growth and celebration.
Romantic — The title seems to imply a level of affection or intimacy between the author and the young lady, indicative of a romantic theme.
Coming-of-age — The mention of a 'birthday' in the title suggests a focus on the young woman's personal growth and transition into a new stage of life, which aligns with the coming-of-age genre.