Dutch Lullaby by Eugene Field (1896)
The poem explores the theme of a mother's love and longing for her child who has died. The speaker describes the child's deathbed scene, recalling the child's beauty and innocence. The poem expresses grief, sorrow, and nostalgia, with the mother's emotions conveyed through imagery and symbolism.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry · 445 words
First lines
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night Sailed off in a wooden shoe, -- Sailed on a river of misty light Into a sea of dew. "Where are you going, and what do you wish? " The old moon asked the three. "We have come to fish for the herring-fish That live in this beautiful sea; Nets of silver and gold have we," Said Wynken, Blynken, And Nod.
The old moon laughed and sung a song, As they rocked in the wooden shoe; And the wind that sped them all night long Ruffled the waves of dew; The little stars were the herring-fish That lived in the beautiful sea. "Now cast your nets wherever you wish, But never afeard are we! " So cried the stars to the fishermen three, Wynken, Blynken, And Nod.
What this Textopian page supports
Dutch Lullaby 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: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry, Lullaby, Nonsense Literature
- Length: 445 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dutch Lullaby 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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Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem is designed for children, featuring whimsical characters and a dreamlike narrative that appeals to young imaginations.
- Fantasy — The story involves fantastical elements such as sailing in a wooden shoe and fishing for stars, creating an imaginative and surreal world.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and rhythm typical of poetry, enhancing its lyrical quality.
- Lullaby — The poem serves as a lullaby, intended to soothe children to sleep with its gentle imagery and calming tone.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nostalgia · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Dreams · Lullaby · Bedtime Story · Rhyming Verse · Illustrated Book · Classic Literature