Windflowers by Edith Nesbit (1903)
The story is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on childhood innocence and the fleeting nature of life. The narrator reminisces about walking in the woods as a child, surrounded by windflowers and hyacinths, and attempting to gather them, but ultimately failing to preserve their beauty.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1903 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 137 words
First lines
WHEN I was little and good I walked in the dappled wood Where light white windflowers grew, And hyacinths heavy and blue.
The windflowers fluttered light, Like butterflies white and bright; The bluebells tremulous stood Deep in the heart of the wood.
I gathered the white and the blue, The wild wet woodland through, With hands too silly and small To clasp and carry them all.
Some dropped from my hands and died By the home-road's grassy side; And those that my fond hands pressed Died even before the rest.
What this Textopian page supports
Windflowers is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 137 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Windflowers 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 Windflowers?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Summer Song by Edith Nesbit
- April by Edith Nesbit
- The Beech Tree by Edith Nesbit
- The Garden by Edith Nesbit
- February by Edith Nesbit
- The Magic Flower by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The story is primarily aimed at young readers, featuring child protagonists and themes of adventure and imagination.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes elements of magic, mythical creatures, and fantastical adventures.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around the protagonists' journey and the challenges they face.
Tags
Children's Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Romance · Coming-of-Age · Friendship · Family · Nature · Magic Realism · Imagination · Growing Up · Self-Discovery