To Iris by Edith Nesbit (1907)
The poem is a lamentation of the speaker's inability to protect and provide a perfect life for Iris. They wish to build a palace, plant a hedge, and control the world to ensure her happiness and innocence. However, they acknowledge their powerlessness to do so, recognizing that Iris will have to face common sorrows and hardships like everyone else. The poem expresses the speaker's desire to shield Iris from pain and sorrow, but ultimately accepts that this is impossible.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1907 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 324 words
First lines
IF I might build a palace, fair With every joy of soul and sense, And set my heart as sentry there To guard your happy innocence -- If I might plant a hedge so strong No creeping sorrow could writhe through, And find my whole life not too long To give, to make your hedge for you --
If I could teach the wandering air To bring no sounds that were not sweet, Could teach the earth that only fair Untrodden flower deserved your feet: Would I not tear the secret scroll Where all your griefs lie closely curled, And give your little hand control Of all the joys of all the world?
What this Textopian page supports
To Iris is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 324 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To Iris by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering To Iris?
- How does this poem by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Over The Banisters by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- In An Old Art Gallery by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Sestina by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- About May by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Sleeps Treachery by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Camp Followers by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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
Poetry · Romanticism · Love Poems · Victorian Era · British Literature · Female Author · Nature Imagery · Floral Themes · Personal Reflections · Emotional Expression · Introspection · Melancholy