My Barometer by Carolyn Wells (1920)

Name: My Barometer
Author: Carolyn Wells

The poem presents a whimsical and metaphorical exploration of a child's influence on the speaker's perception of the day's weather. The speaker uses the appearance of a little girl with golden hair, named Polly, as a barometer for predicting the day's conditions. When Polly arrives looking cheerful and bright, it signals a fair and pleasant day ahead. Conversely, if she appears gloomy, it foreshadows overcast skies and potential rain. The speaker's observations extend to more severe weather, suggesting that Polly's demeanor can even indicate the likelihood of storms. This playful analogy highlights the deep connection between the child's mood and the speaker's emotional landscape, illustrating how innocence and joy can shape one's outlook on life. The poem captures the essence of childhood wonder and the simplicity of interpreting complex emotions through the lens of nature. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, emphasizing the importance of small moments and relationships in understanding the world. Ultimately, the work reflects on the interplay between human emotions and the natural environment, using Polly as a symbol of hope and clarity amidst life's unpredictability.

By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Children's Literature · 118 words

First lines

My little maid with golden hair Comes each morning for a kiss; And I know the day will be fine and fair When Polly looks like this.

Or I know the clouds will frown and lower, The skies will be dull and gray, And perhaps there'll be a passing shower, When Polly looks this way.

But a violent storm of rain or snow I can prognosticate, For the sign will never fail, I know, When this is Polly's pate.

What this Textopian page supports

My Barometer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Carolyn Wells, dated 1920 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Carolyn Wells
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Humor, Children's Literature
Length: 118 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for My Barometer by Carolyn Wells
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

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering My Barometer?
How does this poem by Carolyn Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — Given that 'My Barometer' is a collection of poems, the most fitting genre is poetry.
Humor — The humor genre is a secondary category, as many poems in 'My Barometer' contain humorous tones and light-hearted themes.
Children's Literature — The third suitable genre is Children's Literature, as the language, themes, and overall presentation of the poems are suitable and catered for a younger audience.