The Child on the Cliffs
The poem presents a dialogue between a child and their mother, set against the backdrop of a cliffside landscape. The child observes the natural world, noting the beauty of a yellow flower and the industriousness of a grasshopper. The child expresses a sense of wonder and strangeness in the day, suggesting a deeper connection to the environment. As the child listens to the sounds of the sea, they hear a bell ringing, which evokes a sense of longing and contemplation. The child imagines a serene existence beneath the waves, where they could still hear the bell and feel the presence of their mother. This desire for connection and the juxtaposition of life and death permeate the child's thoughts. The imagery of the sea, the bell, and the natural elements creates a poignant atmosphere, reflecting themes of innocence, mortality, and the bond between parent and child. The child’s musings reveal a profound understanding of beauty and loss, suggesting a yearning for eternal connection even in the face of death. The poem captures a moment of stillness and reflection, emphasizing the delicate interplay between life, nature, and the human experience.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Nature Writing · 247 words
First lines
Mother, the root of this little yellow flower Among the stones has the taste of quinine.
Things are strange to-day on the cliff. The sun shines so bright, And the grasshopper works at his sewing-machine So hard. Here's one on my hand, mother, look;
I lie so still. There's one on your book.
But I have something to tell more strange. So leave Your book to the grasshopper, mother dear -- Like a green knight in a dazzling market-place -- And listen now. Can you hear what I hear Far out? Now and then the foam there curls And stretches a white arm out like a girl's.
What this Textopian page supports
The Child on the Cliffs is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Thomas, 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: Edward Thomas
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Nature Writing, Coming-of-Age, Symbolism
- Length: 247 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs lyrical language, imagery, and a rhythmic structure typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of childhood, nature, and existential reflection align with literary fiction's focus on character and thematic depth.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the cliff and natural elements highlight the connection between the child and the environment.
- Coming-of-Age — The child's reflections and experiences suggest a journey of emotional and intellectual growth.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Childhood · Memory · Loss · Grief · Nostalgia · Imagery · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Emotional Depth · Literary Fiction