At Play by Eugene Field (1896)
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.
Or, play that you are that other one That some time came, and went away; And play that the light of years agone Stole into my heart again to-day! Playing that you are the one I knew In the days that never again may be, I'll say "I love you" to you," And you say "I love you" to me! "I love you! " my heart shall say To the ghost of the past come back to-day!
What this Textopian page supports
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: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At Play by Eugene Field
- 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 At Play?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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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.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Wit · Irony · Playful · Lighthearted · Whimsical · Fantasy · Imagination · Childlike · Nostalgic