Age to Youth by Edith Nesbit (1914)
The poem explores the contrast between youth and age, where the speaker, representing age, is filled with shadows and memories of yesterday, while the addressee, embodying youth, is full of hope and bright desires. Despite their differences, the speaker invites the young person to share their life's unfolding journey, acknowledging that although their own soul may have faded, it once matched the brilliance of the younger one.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1914 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 126 words
First lines
SUNRISE is in your eyes, and in your heart The hope and bright desire of morn and May.
My eyes are full of shadow, and my part Of life is yesterday.
Yet lend my hand your hand, and let us sit And see your life unfolding like a scroll, Rich with illuminated blazon, fit For your arm-bearing soul.
My soul bears arms too, but the scroll's rolled tight, Yet the one strip of faded brightness shown Proclaims that when 'twas splendid in the light Its blazon matched your own.
What this Textopian page supports
Age to Youth is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
- Length: 126 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Age to Youth by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Age to Youth?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Bristol Bowl by Edith Nesbit
- Accidental Magic Or Dont Tell All You Know by Edith Nesbit
- En Tout Cas by Edith Nesbit
- The Adventurer by Edith Nesbit
- Septimus Septimusson by Edith Nesbit
- Chagrin Damour by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and supernatural events.
- Children's Literature — The story is primarily aimed at young readers with its simple language and moral lessons.
- Adventure — The plot involves a series of exciting events and challenges.
Tags
Fantasy · Novel · British Literature · Classic · Children's Fiction · Time Travel · Adventure · Romance · Youth · Aging · Rejuvenation · Magic Realism