May Song by Edith Nesbit (1913)
The poem is an ode to nature, specifically the arrival of spring and the beauty of May. It describes birds returning to the garden, orchard, and woodland, singing and rejoicing in the rain and blossoming trees. The poem conveys a sense of renewal, hope, and love, likening it to a bird's song that resonates deep within the heart of nature.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1913 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 171 words
First lines
BIRDS in the green of my garden Blackbirds and throstle and wren, Wet your dear wings in the tears that are Spring's And so to your singing again! Birds in my blossoming orchard, Chaffinch and goldfinch and lark, Preen your bright wings, little happy live things; The May trees grow white in the park!
Birds in the leafy wet woodlands, Cuckoo and nightingale brown, Sing to the sound of the rain on green ground -- The rain on green leaves dripping down! Fresh with the rain of the May-time, Rich with the promise of June, Deep in her heart, where the little leaves part, Love, like a bird, sings in tune!
What this Textopian page supports
May Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 171 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for May Song by Edith Nesbit
- 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 May Song?
- How does this poem by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- In Age by Edith Nesbit
- The Will To Live by Edith Nesbit
- The Old Magic by Edith Nesbit
- From The Italian by Edith Nesbit
- White Magic by Edith Nesbit
- Magic by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a simple and engaging plot, and themes of adventure and imagination.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical creatures, which are characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and a series of challenges, which are typical elements of the adventure genre.
Tags
Victorian Era · Children's Literature · Fantasy Fiction · Adventure Story · Coming of Age · Self Discovery · Magic Realism · Imaginary Worlds · Quest Narrative · Good vs Evil · Friendship Themes · Growing Up