The Promise of Spring
The story revolves around the theme of spring's arrival, symbolizing hope, renewal, and love. The narrative is poetic and descriptive, focusing on the transformation of nature as winter fades away. The protagonist(s) are drawn to the beauty of spring, with its warmth, flowers, and sunshine, which evoke feelings of joy and delight. The poem also touches on the idea of forgiveness, suggesting that past pains will be forgotten with the arrival of spring. Ultimately, the story poses a question about love's response to spring's call, implying a choice between embracing the new season or remaining stuck in the coldness of winter.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Nature · 361 words
First lines
Just a whisper, half-heard, But our heart knows the word; Caresses that seem Like love's lips in a dream; Yet we know she is here, The desirèd, the dear, The love of the year! In the murmur of boughs, In the softening of skies, In the sun on the house, In the daffodil's green (Half an inch, half-unseen Mid the mournful brown mould Where the rotten leaf lies) Her story is told.
O Spring, darling Spring, O sweet days of blue weather! The thrushes shall sing, Fields shall grow green again, Daisies be seen again, Hedges grow white; Then down the lane, Grown leafy again, Shall go lovers together -- Lovers who see again Sunshine and showers, Perfume and flowers, Dewy dear hours, Dream and delight.
What this Textopian page supports
The Promise of Spring is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1915 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: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Nature
- Length: 361 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Promise of Spring 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 Promise of Spring?
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Similar titles
- The Common Lot by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Autumn Song by Edith Nesbit
- At Evening Time There Shall Be Light by Edith Nesbit
- The Refusal by Edith Nesbit
- The Appeal by Edith Nesbit
- A Portrait by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a rhythmic and rhyming structure, typical of poetry.
- Romance — The work explores themes of love and longing, common in the romance genre.
- Nature — The work heavily features imagery and themes related to nature and the changing seasons.
Tags
Family · Relationships · Marriage · Love · Romance · Social Class · Wealth · Poverty · Society · Culture · Tradition · Identity