New-Year's Eve by Eugene Field
The poem describes a nostalgic and melancholic atmosphere on New Year's Eve, evoking feelings of loneliness and longing for past times. It portrays the passing of time, emphasizing the speaker's sense of disconnection from the present and yearning for a lost era. The tone is contemplative and introspective, with a focus on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 376 words
First lines
Good old days -- dear old days When my heart beat high and bold -- When the things of earth seemed full of life, And the future a haze of gold! Oh, merry was I that winter night, And gleeful our little one's din, And tender the grace of my darling's face As we watched the new year in. But a voice -- a spectre's, that mocked at love -- Came out of the yonder hall; "Tick-tock, tick-tock! " 't was the solemn clock That ruefully croaked to all. Yet what knew we of the griefs to be In the year we longed to greet? Love -- love was the theme of the sweet, sweet dream I fancied might never fleet!
What this Textopian page supports
New-Year's Eve is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Seasonal Literature, Reflective Literature
- Length: 376 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, nostalgia, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Seasonal Literature — The poem centers around New Year's Eve, making it relevant to seasonal themes.
Tags
Poetry · Holiday · Celebration · Reflection · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Hope · Renewal · Tradition · Family · Friendship · Love