Values by Edith Nesbit (1906)
The poem explores the theme of lost love and nostalgia, with the speaker reflecting on a past relationship that has ended. The speaker questions whether they were deceived or misled in trusting their heart to someone who proved unworthy. Despite this, the speaker acknowledges that the time spent with this person was precious and worth the pain it ultimately caused.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 140 words
First lines
DID you deceive me? Did I trust A heart of fire to a heart of dust? What matter? Since once the world was fair, And you gave me the rose of the world to wear.
That was the time to live for! Flowers, Sunshine and starshine and magic hours, Summer about me, Heaven above, And all seemed immortal, even Love.
Well, the mortal rose of your love was worth The pains of death and the pains of birth; And the thorns may be sharper than death-who knows? - That crowd round the stem of a deathless rose.
What this Textopian page supports
Values is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 140 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Values by Edith Nesbit
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Prodigals Return by Edith Nesbit
- The Things That Matter by Edith Nesbit
- Nine Lives by Edith Nesbit
- The Princess And The Hedge Pig by Edith Nesbit
- A Leaf Of Spearmint by Henry Van Dyke
- Age To Youth by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at young readers with its simple language, moral lessons, and fantastical elements.
- Fantasy — The book contains elements of magic and supernatural phenomena, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a series of exciting events and challenges that the characters must overcome.
Tags
Philosophy · Morality · Ethics · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Wit · Irony · Short Stories · Fiction · Anthology · Victorian Era