The poem explores the idea that a child's early years are crucial in shaping their future. It uses the metaphor of a garden to describe the nurturing and care required for a child's growth, and a cradle to symbolize the safety and security needed during this period. The speaker argues that if a child is not properly cared for during these early years, they will not develop into a strong and healthy individual.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy