Long Meter by Eugene Field (1896)
The poem explores the theme of childhood innocence and nostalgia through the speaker's reminiscence of a carefree summer day spent playing with a friend in a field of tall grass. The poem's use of imagery, metaphor, and symbolism creates a vivid picture of a fleeting moment in time, emphasizing the importance of holding onto memories of youth.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 150 words
First lines
All human joys are swift of wing / For heaven doth so allot it / That when you get an easy thing / You find you haven't got it.
Man never yet has loved a maid, / But they were sure to part, sir; / Nor never lacked a paltry spade / But that he drew a heart, sir!
Go, Chauncey! it is plain as day / You much prefer a dinner / To walking straight in wisdom's way -- / Go to, thou babbling sinner.
The froward part that you have played / To me this lesson teaches: / To trust no man whose stock in trade / Is after-dinner speeches.
What this Textopian page supports
Long Meter is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Lyric, Philosophical
- Length: 150 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
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- Work identity for Long Meter by Eugene Field
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
- Humor — The tone and content reflect a humorous critique of human nature and social behaviors.
- Satire — The poem satirizes societal norms and human relationships, highlighting their transient nature.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Whimsical · Fantastical · Imaginative · Playful · Lighthearted · Witty