Hugo's "Flower to Butterfly"
The poem explores the idea that life is fleeting and ephemeral, comparing human existence to a flower that blooms briefly before withering away. The speaker reflects on how people are born, live, and die, just like the flower, leaving behind only memories. The poem conveys a sense of melancholy and impermanence.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing · 224 words
First lines
Sweet, bide with me and let my love Be an enduring tether; Oh, wanton not from spot to spot, But let us dwell together.
You've come each morn to sip the sweets With which you found me dripping, Yet never knew it was not dew But tears that you were sipping.
You gambol over honey meads Where siren bees are humming; But mine the fate to watch and wait For my beloved's coming.
The sunshine that delights you now Shall fade to darkness gloomy; You should not fear if, biding here, You nestled closer to me.
What this Textopian page supports
Hugo's "Flower to Butterfly" 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, Romanticism, Nature Writing, Lyric, Symbolism
- Length: 224 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hugo's "Flower to Butterfly" 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 Hugo's "Flower to Butterfly"?
- 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 Wind The Tale by Eugene Field
- In Middle Spring by Madison Cawein
- Prologue by Madison Cawein
- The Bell Flower Tree by Eugene Field
- The Limnad by Madison Cawein
- Harvesting by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and emotional expression align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Nature Writing — The imagery of flowers, bees, and the natural world reflects a focus on nature.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional tone of the poem suggests a lyrical quality, expressing the speaker's feelings.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Whimsical · Fantasy · Children's Literature · American Literature · 19th Century · Romanticism · Symbolism · Metamorphosis · Transformation