Little Homer's Slate by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a young boy who dies after being accidentally hit on the head by a baseball bat swung by his friend. The poem explores themes of grief, loss, and the fragility of life.
By Eugene Field · First published 1882 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Literary Fiction · 250 words
First lines
AFTER dear old grandma died, / Hunting through an oaken chest / In the attic, we espied / What repaid our childish quest: / 'Twas a homely little slate, / Seemingly of ancient date.
On its quaint and battered face / Was the picture of a cart / Drawn with all that awkward grace / Which betokens childish art.
But what meant this legend, pray: / "Homer drew this yesterday"?
Mother recollected then / What the years were fain to hide: / She was but a baby when / Little Homer lived and died.
What this Textopian page supports
Little Homer's Slate is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Literary Fiction, Nostalgic Literature, Historical Fiction
- Length: 250 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Little Homer's Slate 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes and style are accessible to children, focusing on nostalgia and childhood memories.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deeper themes of memory, loss, and familial connections.
- Nostalgic Literature — The poem evokes a sense of nostalgia for childhood and lost loved ones.
Tags
Childhood · Nostalgia · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Rural Life · Education · School Days · Youth · Innocence · Playfulness · Imagination