The Gift of Life by Edith Nesbit
The poem explores the idea that despite life's hardships and difficulties, there are moments of beauty and joy to be cherished. It compares life to a dark and wild night, a dry and drear desert, and a cold and fierce sea, but notes that even in these harsh environments, there can be stars, oases, and enchanted isles. The poem urges the reader to forget the hardships and instead focus on the "gift supreme" of life's brief moments of beauty, and to make the most of them to create a "deathless dream".
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 138 words
First lines
LIFE is a night all dark and wild, Yet still stars shine: This moment is a star, my child- Your star and mine.
Life is a desert dry and drear, Undewed, unblest; This hour is an oasis, dear; Here let us rest.
Life is a sea of windy spray, Cold, fierce and free: An isle enchanted is to-day For you and me.
Forget night, sea, and desert: take The gift supreme, And, of life's brief relenting, make A deathless dream.
What this Textopian page supports
The Gift of Life is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
- Length: 138 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Gift of Life by Edith Nesbit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Gift of Life?
- 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 Mothers Prayer by Edith Nesbit
- Change by Edith Nesbit
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- The Skylark by Edith Nesbit
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- Autumn Song 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
Family · Relationships · Love · Sacrifice · Motherhood · Selflessness · Generosity · Kindness · Compassion · Emotional Journey · Personal Growth · Social Class