Garden and Cradle by Eugene Field
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 · 182 words
First lines
When our babe he goeth walking in his garden, / Around his tinkling feet the sunbeams play; / The posies they are good to him, / And bow them as they should to him, / As fareth he upon his kingly way; / And birdlings of the wood to him / Make music, gentle music, all the day, / When our babe he goeth walking in his garden.
When our babe he goeth swinging in his cradle, / Then the night it looketh ever sweetly down; / The little stars are kind to him, / The moon she hath a mind to him / And layeth on his head a golden crown; / And singeth then the wind to him / A song, the gentle song of Bethlem-town, / When our babe he goeth swinging in his cradle.
What this Textopian page supports
Garden and Cradle 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, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Lyrical, Nature Writing
- Length: 182 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Garden and Cradle 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes and imagery are centered around a child, making it suitable for a young audience.
- Fantasy — The poem incorporates whimsical elements, such as talking flowers and celestial bodies, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
- Lyrical — The emotional and expressive nature of the writing aligns with lyrical poetry, focusing on feelings and imagery.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Children's Poetry · Whimsical · Imagination · Fantasy · Nature · Gardening · Motherhood · Infancy · Youth