Horace I, 13 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, Romantic · 213 words
First lines
When, Lydia, you (once fond and true, But now grown cold and supercilious) Praise Telly's charms of neck and arms -- Well, by the dog! it makes me bilious!
Then, with despite, my cheeks wax white, My doddering brain gets weak and giddy, My eyes o'erflow with tears which show That passion melts my vitals, Liddy!
Deny, false jade, your escapade, And, lo! your wounded shoulders show it! No manly spark left such a mark -- (Leastwise he surely was no poet! )
With savage buss did Telephus Abraid your lips, so plump and mellow -- As you would save what Venus gave, I charge you shun that awkward fellow!
What this Textopian page supports
Horace I, 13 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, Romantic, Lyric, Humor
- Length: 213 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Horace I, 13 by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Horace I, 13?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Tea Gown by Eugene Field
- The Romance Of A Watch by Eugene Field
- Horace Ii 20 by Eugene Field
- The Perpetual Wooing by Eugene Field
- Cupids Fault by Oliver Herford
- The Convalescent Gripster by Eugene Field
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetic forms.
- Satire — The poem critiques romantic relationships and societal norms with humor and irony.
- Romantic — Themes of love, jealousy, and emotional turmoil are central to the poem's narrative.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Poetry · Wit · Irony · Social commentary · Critique of society · Middle class life · Marriage · Domesticity · Bourgeoisie · Materialism