The Little Go-Cart
The poem tells the story of a young boy who builds a go-cart and learns valuable lessons about perseverance, hard work, and responsibility. The boy's efforts are initially met with skepticism by his family and neighbors, but he proves them wrong by successfully building and racing the cart. Through his experience, the boy develops a sense of pride and self-confidence.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Sentimental Literature, Elegy · 265 words
First lines
It was long, long ago that a soul like a flower Unfolded, and blossomed, and passed in an hour. It was long, long ago; and the memory seems Like the pleasures and sorrows that come in our dreams.
The kind years have crowned me with many a joy Since the going away of my wee little boy; Each one as it passed me has stooped with a kiss, And left some delight-knowing one thing I miss.
But when in the park or the street, all elate A baby I see in his carriage of state, As proud as a king, in his little go-cart- I feel all the mother-love stir in my heart!
What this Textopian page supports
The Little Go-Cart is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, 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: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Sentimental Literature, Elegy, Lyric, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 265 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Little Go-Cart by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Little Go-Cart?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Sums That Came Right by Edith Nesbit
- Hope by Edith Nesbit
- The Island Of Endless Play by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Fixed Idea by Amy Lowell
- Climbing by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Medway Song Air Carnaval De Venise by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Sentimental Literature — The themes revolve around deep emotional experiences, particularly maternal love and loss.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on the death of a child and the enduring sorrow and memory of the loss.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Children's Fiction · Poetry · Imagination · Fantasy · Adventure · Friendship · Growing Up · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth · Motivation · Inspiration · Uplifting