Roof and Meadow by Dallas Lore Sharp

The narrative explores the contrast between urban life and the natural world, focusing on the author's experiences observing birds from a rooftop in the city. The protagonist finds solace in the sounds of nature, such as the wind and water, which momentarily transport him away from the urban environment. Despite the soot and noise, the roof becomes a vantage point for birdwatching, revealing a variety of species, including sparrows, night-hawks, and migratory birds. The author reflects on the challenges birds face in the city, noting that many prefer quieter, rural areas. He describes the behaviors of different birds, particularly the night-hawk, which thrives in the urban setting despite not nesting there. The narrative captures the beauty and complexity of bird migration, evoking a sense of wonder about their instinctual journeys. Through vivid descriptions, the author conveys a deep appreciation for the resilience of nature amidst the encroachment of city life. The rooftop serves as a bridge between the two worlds, allowing the protagonist to connect with the wild, even in a bustling metropolis. The work ultimately celebrates the enduring presence of nature and the joy of observing it, regardless of the surrounding urban chaos.

By Dallas Lore Sharp · First published 1928 · Genre: Nature, Outdoor Adventure, Non-fiction · 9 chapters · 29,193 words

First lines

I laid down my book and listened. It was only the choking gurgle of a broken rain-pipe outside: then it was the ripple and swish of a meadow stream. To make out the voices of redwings and marsh-wrens in the rasping notes of the city sparrows behind the shutter required much more imagination. But I did it. I wanted to hear, and the splash of the water helped me.

The sounds of wind and water are the same everywhere. Here at the heart of the city I can forget the tarry pebbles and painted tin whenever my rain-pipes are flooded. I can never be wholly shut away from the open country and the trees so long as the winds draw hard down the alley past my window.

• Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

Roof and Meadow is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dallas Lore Sharp, dated 1928 CE.

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

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Dallas Lore Sharp
• Date: 1928 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Nature, Outdoor Adventure, Non-fiction, Educational, Autobiography
• Length: 29,193 words
• Structure: 9 chapters, 339 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Roof and Meadow by Dallas Lore Sharp
• 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

Similar titles

• June by Dallas Lore Sharp
• The Spring Of The Year by Dallas Lore Sharp
• The Hills Of Hingham by Dallas Lore Sharp
• Wild Life Near Home by Dallas Lore Sharp
• Winter by Dallas Lore Sharp
• The Pageant Of Summer by Richard Jefferies

Genres

• Nature — The book deals extensively with descriptions and experiences in the natural world, specifically focusing on various aspects of nature like roof and meadow.
• Outdoor Adventure — The text exhibits elements of outdoor adventure as it explores the experiences and observations of the author in different nature settings.
• Non-fiction — The book is based on Dallas Lore Sharp's real-life experiences and observations, categorizing it in the non-fiction genre.
• Educational — With its detailed descriptions and extensive information about nature and outdoor life, the book serves as an educational reference.

Tags

nature · wildlife · landscape · rural · environment · flora · fauna · seasons · outdoors · tranquility · observation · ecosystem

Contents

• BIRDS FROM A CITY ROOF
• THE HUNTING OF THE WOODCHUCK
• THREE SERMONS
• THE MARSH
• CALICO AND THE KITTENS
• THE SPARROW ROOST
• "MUX"
• RACOON CREEK
• THE DRAGON OF THE SWALE

More by Dallas Lore Sharp

• The Seer of Slabsides (1921)
• The Hills of Hingham (1923)
• A Watcher in the Woods (1940)
• The Spring of the Year (1927)
• Summer (1948)
• Winter (1925)
• The Fall of the Year (1923)
• The Face of the Fields (1938)
• All works by Dallas Lore Sharp