The Prayer by Edith Nesbit (1901)
The poem is a introspective and emotional prayer. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of worldly desires like wealth and fame, realizing they are unattainable. Instead, they yearn for a humble, peaceful life with their loved one, where they can share tender moments and find joy. The speaker doubts whether God would grant such a simple yet profound request, fearing it may be deemed insignificant compared to grander aspirations.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1901 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 209 words
First lines
They talk of money and of fame, Would make a fortune or a name, And gold and laurel both must be For ever out of reach of me.
And if I asked of God or fate The gift most gracious and most great, It would not be such gifts as these That I should pray for on my knees.
No, I should ask a greater grace -- A little, quiet, firelit place, Warm-curtained, violet-sweet, where she Should hold my baby on her knee.
There she should sit and softly sing The songs my heart hears echoing; And I, made pure by joy, should come Not all unworthy to our home.
What this Textopian page supports
The Prayer is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
- Length: 209 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Prayer 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Prayer?
- 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
- The Temptation by Edith Nesbit
- The Prodigal Son by Edith Nesbit
- The Champion by Edith Nesbit
- The Sums That Came Right by Edith Nesbit
- Whereyouwantogo Or The Bouncible Ball by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves supernatural elements and magical occurrences.
- Children's Literature — The story is primarily aimed at young readers, with a simple and engaging narrative.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and a series of exciting events and challenges.
Tags
Christian Fiction · Fantasy · Religious Fiction · Classic Literature · British Literature · Children's Fiction · Short Story · Spirituality · Faith · Hope · Miracles · Angels