Orkney Lullaby by Eugene Field
The poem is a lament for the death of a child, with the speaker describing the child's beauty and innocence, and expressing grief and sorrow at their loss. The tone is melancholic and nostalgic, with vivid imagery used to convey the speaker's emotions.
By Eugene Field · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 285 words
First lines
A moonbeam floateth from the skies, Whispering, "Heigho, my dearie! I would spin a web before your eyes, -- A beautiful web of silver light, Wherein is many a wondrous sight Of a radiant garden leagues away, Where the softly tinkling lilies sway, And the snow-white lambkins are at play, -- Heigho, my dearie!"
A brownie stealeth from the vine Singing, "Heigho, my dearie! And will you hear this song of mine, -- A song of the land of murk and mist Where bideth the bud the dew hath kist? Then let the moonbeam's web of light Be spun before thee silvery white, And I shall sing the livelong night, -- Heigho, my dearie!"
What this Textopian page supports
Orkney Lullaby is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Lullaby, Romanticism
- Length: 285 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Orkney Lullaby by Eugene Field
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes of lullabies and gentle imagery cater to a young audience, making it suitable for children's reading.
- Fantasy — The presence of magical elements like moonbeams and brownies creates a fantastical atmosphere.
- Lullaby — The poem serves as a lullaby, designed to soothe and comfort, which is a specific sub-genre of poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Lullaby · Orkney Islands · Scottish Literature · Victorian Era · Nostalgic · Melancholic · Dreamy · Folkloric · Mythological · Nature-inspired · Imagery-rich