Prelude by Edith Nesbit (1902)
The poem describes a scene where clouds of white wings, symbolizing freedom and beauty, fly in from the west at sunset and out to the east at dawn. However, amidst this majestic display, a single white dove is drawn to the speaker's breast, only to later fly away into the west, suggesting a loss of personal freedom or a cherished aspect of life.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1902 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 122 words
First lines
Out of the west when the sun was dying / Clouds of white wings came flying, flying, / Wheeling and whirling they swept away / Into the heart of the eastern gray; / But one white dove came straight to my breast / Out of the west.
Into the west when the dawn was pearly / Clouds of white wings went, dewy-early, / Straight from the world of the waning stars; / O beating pinions! O prison bars! / My dove flies free no more with the rest / Into the west.
What this Textopian page supports
Prelude is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 122 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Prelude 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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Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a focus on adventure and imagination.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical creatures, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a series of exciting events and challenges faced by the characters.
Tags
Victorian Era · Family Drama · Social Class · Coming of Age · Childhood · Growing Up · Siblings · Parental Relationships · Marriage · Infidelity · Adultery · Scandal