Chains Invisible by Edith Nesbit
The poem describes a serene natural setting with lilies, violets, and cuckoo flowers, where the speaker feels a sense of peace and connection to nature. However, despite this idyllic atmosphere, the speaker is aware of the presence of the city, feeling its influence even from a distance. The poem contrasts the beauty of nature with the oppressive force of urban life, personified as a "giant" that can be heard sighing and weeping. The speaker longs for a complete escape from the city's reach, craving solitude and silence in a wild, natural environment.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Literature, Urban Literature · 327 words
First lines
The lilies in my garden grow, / Wide meadows ring my garden round, / In that green copse wild violets blow, / And pale, frail cuckoo flowers are found.
For all you see and all you hear, / The city might be miles away, / And yet you feel the city near / Through all the quiet of the day.
Similar titles
- The Garden by Edith Nesbit
- Silence by Edith Nesbit
- Teint Neutre by Edith Nesbit
- The Vain Spell by Edith Nesbit
- May Day by Edith Nesbit
- Rye by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a rhythmic and rhyming structure, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Literature — The work extensively describes natural elements such as lilies, meadows, violets, and birds, indicating a strong nature theme.
- Urban Literature — The work contrasts the tranquility of nature with the presence and influence of the city, a common theme in urban literature.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Children's Literature · Classic · British Literature · Early 20th Century · Magic Realism · Imagination · Coming of Age · Family Relationships · Siblings · Growing Up
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Chains Invisible is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Literature, Urban Literature
- Length: 327 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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