Mysterious Doings by Eugene Field
The poem explores the theme of childhood innocence and its loss. It describes a group of children playing together, unaware of the dangers and complexities of adulthood. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and how it affects people's perceptions and understanding of the world. The poem also touches on the idea that childhood is a time of freedom and joy, which is lost as one grows older.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 244 words
First lines
As once I rambled in the woods / I chanced to spy amid the brake / A huntsman ride his way beside / A fair and passing tranquil lake; / Though velvet bucks sped here and there, / He let them scamper through the green -- / Not one smote he, but lustily / He blew his horn -- what could it mean?
As on I strolled beside that lake, / A pretty maid I chanced to see / Fishing away for finny prey, / Yet not a single one caught she; / All round her boat the fishes leapt / And gambolled to their hearts' content, / Yet never a thing did the maid but sing -- / I wonder what on earth it meant.
What this Textopian page supports
Mysterious Doings 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: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Symbolism, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 244 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mysterious Doings by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work features a musical quality and emotional expression typical of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The poem vividly describes natural settings and interactions with nature, emphasizing beauty and tranquility.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love and beauty are present, aligning with the characteristics of Romantic poetry.
- Symbolism — The poem uses symbols, such as the huntsman and the fishermaid, to convey deeper meanings and evoke thought.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Fantasy · Short stories · American literature · 19th century · Whimsical · Quirky · Supernatural · Mystery · Tales · Folklore