Winter by Edith Nesbit (1904)
The poem describes the arrival of winter, emphasizing its bleakness and coldness. It contrasts this with memories of a past time when the narrator was young and carefree, walking on a mild May day surrounded by hawthorn flowers with a loved one. The poem concludes by describing the narrator's current state, shivering by the fire as they reflect on their lost youth and faded desires.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1904 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 125 words
First lines
HOLD your hands to the blaze; Winter is here With the short cold days, Bleak, keen and drear.
Was there ever a day With hawthorn along the way Where you wandered in mild mid-May With your dear?
That was when you were young And the world was gold; Now all the songs are sung, The tales all told.
You shiver now by the fire Where the last red sparks expire; Dead are delight and desire: You are old.
What this Textopian page supports
Winter is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 125 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Winter 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 Winter?
- 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
- The Vain Spell by Edith Nesbit
- Song by Edith Nesbit
- Silence by Edith Nesbit
- In The Enchanted Tower by Edith Nesbit
- Accidental Magic Or Dont Tell All You Know by Edith Nesbit
- The Blue Mountain by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a simple and engaging plot, and characters that children can relate to.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical creatures, which are common in the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and a series of exciting events and challenges that the characters must overcome.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Adventure · Magic · Winter · Seasonal Fiction · Classic · British Literature · Early 20th Century · Imagination · Whimsy · Youthful Protagonist