Hushaby, Sweet My Own
The poem is a lamentation of the passing of childhood and the loss of innocence. The speaker addresses a child, urging them to hold onto their youth and innocence in the face of an impending adulthood that will bring sorrow and pain. The poem explores themes of nostalgia, mortality, and the fleeting nature of childhood.
By Eugene Field · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Romanticism · 313 words
First lines
Fair is the castle up on the hill -- Hushaby, sweet my own! The night is fair, and the waves are still, And the wind is singing to you and to me In this lowly home beside the sea -- Hushaby, sweet my own!
On yonder hill is store of wealth -- Hushaby, sweet my own! And revelers drink to a little one's health; But you and I bide night and day For the other love that has sailed away -- Hushaby, sweet my own!
What this Textopian page supports
Hushaby, Sweet My Own is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Romanticism, Fantasy, Lyrical
- Length: 313 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Hushaby, Sweet My Own by Eugene Field
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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 of lullabies and maternal affection suggest it is intended for a child audience.
- Romanticism — The poem explores themes of love, loss, and nature, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Fantasy — Imagery of ghosts and angels introduces fantastical elements.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · American Literature · 19th Century · Nostalgic · Whimsical · Imaginative · Fantastical · Dreamlike · Lyrical · Melancholic · Sentimental