Intry-Mintry by Eugene Field (1890)
The poem explores the theme of childhood innocence and the passing of time. It describes a child's wonder at the natural world and their gradual loss of innocence as they grow older. The poem uses imagery and symbolism to convey this theme, with the "try-mintry" refrain suggesting the repetitive and rhythmic nature of childhood games and rhymes.
By Eugene Field · First published 1890 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy · 501 words
First lines
WILLIE and Bess, Georgie and May, -- / Once as these children were hard at play, / An old man, hoary and tottering, came / And watched them playing their pretty game.
He seemed to wonder, while standing there, / What the meaning thereof could be.
What this Textopian page supports
Intry-Mintry is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy, Nostalgia, Literary Fiction
- Length: 501 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Intry-Mintry 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
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem features children at play and incorporates a playful rhyme, appealing to a young audience.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetic form.
- Fantasy — The presence of Father Time and the whimsical nature of the children's game introduce fantastical elements.
- Nostalgia — The poem reflects on childhood innocence and the passage of time, evoking a sense of longing for the past.
Tags
Nursery Rhyme · Children's Literature · Fantasy · Imagination · Whimsical · Playful · Rhyming Verse · Poetry · Classic · Vintage · Illustrated · Youthful