At Play by Eugene Field (1896)

Name: At Play
Author: Eugene Field

The poem explores themes of childhood innocence and the passing of time. It describes a child's carefree existence, playing outside until dusk, unaware of the impending darkness of adulthood. The poem's tone is nostalgic and melancholic, evoking a sense of longing for a lost era of simplicity and joy.

By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric · 356 words

First lines

Play that you are mother dear, / And play that papa is your beau; / Play that we sit in the corner here, / Just as we used to, long ago. / Playing so, we lovers two / Are just as happy as we can be, / And I'll say "I love you" to you, / And you say "I love you" to me! / "I love you" we both shall say, / All in earnest and all in play.

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At Play is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1896 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Eugene Field
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric, Children's Literature, Drama
Length: 356 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for At Play by Eugene Field
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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Romantic — The themes revolve around love, nostalgia, and emotional connections between characters.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Children's Literature — The playful tone and imaginative scenarios suggest appeal to a younger audience.