The Least Possible by Edith Nesbit
The poem is a prayer to a goddess, asking what she will give in return for the speaker's devotion. The speaker describes their admiration for the goddess, noting her beauty and charm in various settings. However, they lament that the goddess never truly acknowledges them, even in intimate moments. The speaker longs for the goddess to recognize them, if only once, and to be remembered by her.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1900 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 182 words
First lines
DEAR goddess of the shining shrine Where all my votive tapers burn, Where every gold-embroidered thought And all my flowers of life are brought -- With many, alas! that are not mine -- What will you give me in return?
The bow in Bond Street -- in the Park The smile all worship on your lips, The courteous word at dinner -- dance -- But never a blush -- a conscious glance; At most, at Henley, in the dark, Your fleet mistaken finger-tips?
Ah, just for once, once only, be An altar-server -- stoop and set me Upon the altar richly wrought Of your most secret flower-sweet thought: One nightlight's flicker burn for me Before you sleep and quite forget me.
What this Textopian page supports
The Least Possible is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
- Length: 182 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Least Possible by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and fantastical creatures.
- Children's Literature — The story is primarily aimed at young readers.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and various challenges.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Adventure · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Philosophical · Psychological Fiction · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Morality Tale · Allegory