Little Blue Pigeon by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a small blue pigeon who lives in a dovecote and has a habit of strutting around with pride. The pigeon's mother warns him about the dangers of the world outside, but he does not listen. One day, he decides to explore and flies away, only to get caught by a hunter and eventually dies.
By Eugene Field · First published 1890 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Lyrical Poetry, Nature Poetry · 222 words
First lines
Sleep, little pigeon, and fold your wings -- Little blue pigeon with velvet eyes; Sleep to the singing of mother-bird swinging -- Swinging the nest where her little one lies.
Away out yonder I see a star -- Silvery star with a tinkling song; To the soft dew falling I hear it calling -- Calling and tinkling the night along.
In through the window a moonbeam comes -- Little gold moonbeam with misty wings; All silently creeping, it asks: "Is he sleeping -- Sleeping and dreaming while mother sings?"
Up from the sea there floats the sob Of the waves that are breaking upon the shore, As though they were groaning in anguish, and moaning -- Bemoaning the ship that shall come no more.
What this Textopian page supports
Little Blue Pigeon 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 Poetry, Lyrical Poetry, Nature Poetry, Fantasy, Nostalgic Poetry
- Length: 222 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Little Blue Pigeon by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Teeny Weeny by Eugene Field
- Little Oh Dear by Eugene Field
- The Dinkey Bird by Eugene Field
- Yvytot by Eugene Field
- The Humming Top by Eugene Field
- Nellie by Eugene Field
Genres
- Children's Poetry — The work is a poem intended for children, featuring simple language and themes of comfort and sleep.
- Lyrical Poetry — The poem employs a musical quality and rhythm, characteristic of lyrical poetry, focusing on emotions and imagery.
- Nature Poetry — The poem includes elements of nature, such as stars, moonbeams, and the sea, reflecting the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.
- Fantasy — The personification of the pigeon and the whimsical elements contribute to a fantastical atmosphere.
Tags
Children's literature · Poetry · American poetry · 19th century literature · Whimsical · Imagination · Fantasy · Adventure · Humor · Lighthearted · Playful · Rhyming verse