Horace I, 11 by Eugene Field (1897)
The poem explores the theme of childhood innocence and its loss. It describes a boy's fascination with a swallow's nest and his subsequent destruction of it, symbolizing the end of his carefree childhood. The poem also touches on the idea that children often unknowingly destroy things they do not understand, highlighting their naivety and lack of awareness.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Philosophical · 138 words
First lines
Seek not, Lucome, to know how long you're going to live yet -- What boons the gods will yet withhold, or what they're going to give yet; For Jupiter will have his way, despite how much we worry -- Some will hang on for many a day and some die in a hurry, The wisest thing for you to do is to embark this diem Upon a merry escapade with some such bard as I am; And while we sport, I'll reel you off such odes as shall surprise ye -- To-morrow, when the headache comes -- well, then I'll satirize ye!
What this Textopian page supports
Horace I, 11 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, Satire, Philosophical, Humor, Lyric
- Length: 138 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
- Satire — The text contains elements of satire, critiquing human concerns about mortality and fate.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life, death, and the nature of existence.
- Humor — The light-hearted tone and playful language contribute to a humorous reading experience.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Poetry · Social Commentary · Wit · Irony · Sarcasm · Critique of Society · American Literature · Late 19th Century · Cultural Criticism · Urban Life