A Child's Smile by Dinah Mulock
The poem reflects on the profound beauty and rarity of a child's smile, likening it to fleeting summer lightning. It explores the innocence and purity of childhood, contrasting it with the inevitable burdens of adulthood. The speaker expresses a deep affection for a beloved boy, contemplating the presence of an angelic figure that watches over him. This angel imbues the child with a serene beauty, evoking both admiration and a sense of foreboding about the loss of that innocence as the child grows. The speaker reassures that the angel will continue to support the child through life's challenges, ensuring that the essence of that joyful smile may endure into old age. The work emphasizes themes of protection, the transient nature of childhood, and the hope that the purity of a child's spirit can persist despite life's trials. Ultimately, it conveys a message of faith in divine guardianship and the enduring nature of joy, suggesting that the child’s smile can transform into a source of wisdom and happiness in later years.
By Dinah Mulock · First published 1854 · Genre: Children's Literature, Family, Coming of Age · 238 words
First lines
A CHILD'S smile -- nothing more; Quiet and soft and grave, and seldom seen, Like summer lightning o'er, Leaving the little face again serene.
I think, boy well-beloved, Thine angel, who did grieve to see how far Thy childhood is removed From sports that dear to other children are,
On this pale cheek has thrown The brightness of his countenance, and made A beauty like his own -- That, while we see it, we are half afraid,
And marvel, will it stay? Or, long ere manhood, will that angel fair, Departing some sad day, Steal the child-smile and leave the shadow care?
What this Textopian page supports
A Child's Smile is listed on Textopian as a short story by Dinah Mulock, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Dinah Mulock
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Family, Coming of Age, Fiction, Adventure
- Length: 238 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Child's Smile by Dinah Mulock
- 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 A Child's Smile?
- How does this short story by Dinah Mulock fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Flying Kites by Carolyn Wells
- Sunshine by David Cory
- Pattys Butterfly Days by Carolyn Wells
- The Visit by David Cory
- Girl And Boy by Dinah Mulock
- Up In The Tree by George Macdonald
Genres
- Children's Literature — The title 'A Child's Smile' suggests the book is likely written for a younger audience, hence the genre of Children's Literature.
- Family — Considering Dinah Mulock's other works, which often focus on family dynamics, 'Family' could be a secondary genre.
- Coming of Age — The reference to a 'child' in the title may indicate a growth or coming of age story.
- Fiction — Dinah Mulock is known for her fictional works, making 'Fiction' a relevant genre.
Tags
childhood · innocence · happiness · family · love · growth · imagination · friendship · adventure · joy · playfulness · learning