Beard and Baby by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a father's love for his baby. The speaker describes the baby's cooing and smiling, and how it brings joy to those around it. The poem explores the themes of innocence, purity, and the beauty of childhood.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor · 279 words
First lines
I say, as one who never feared The wrath of a subscriber's bullet, I pity him who has a beard But has no little girl to pull it!
When wife and I have finished tea, Our baby woos me with her prattle, And, perching proudly on my knee, She gives my petted whiskers battle.
With both her hands she tugs away, While scolding at me kind o' spiteful; You'll not believe me when I say I find the torture quite delightful!
No other would presume, I ween, To trifle with this hirsute wonder, Else would I rise in vengeful mien And rend his vandal frame asunder!
What this Textopian page supports
Beard and Baby is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor, Family, Nostalgia
- Length: 279 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Beard and Baby 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
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes of familial love and playful interaction with a child suggest it is suitable for a younger audience.
- Humor — The playful tone and lighthearted depiction of the relationship between the father and child convey a sense of humor.
- Family — The poem centers around family dynamics, particularly the bond between a parent and child.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Family · Marriage · Parenthood · Social commentary · Wit · Irony · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Playful