Sicilian Lullaby by Eugene Field
The poem is a lamentation of the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human life. It expresses a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past that cannot be recaptured. The speaker describes the beauty of Sicily, but notes that even its beauty will eventually fade. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, suggesting that everything in life is transitory.
By Eugene Field · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Lullaby · 190 words
First lines
Hush, little one, and fold your hands; The sun hath set, the moon is high; The sea is singing to the sands, And wakeful posies are beguiled By many a fairy lullaby: Hush, little child, my little child!
Dream, little one, and in your dreams Float upward from this lowly place, -- Float out on mellow, misty streams To lands where bideth Mary mild, And let her kiss thy little face, You little child, my little child!
Sleep, little one, and take thy rest, With angels bending over thee, -- Sleep sweetly on that Father's breast Whom our dear Christ hath reconciled; But stay not there, -- come back to me, O little child, my little child!
What this Textopian page supports
Sicilian Lullaby is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Lullaby, Fantasy, Religious
- Length: 190 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sicilian Lullaby by Eugene Field
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The content is directed towards children, featuring themes of comfort and dreams.
- Lullaby — The title and content suggest it serves as a soothing lullaby for children.
- Fantasy — The imagery of fairies and dreamlike landscapes introduces elements of fantasy.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Romanticism · Nostalgia · Childhood · Memory · Longing · Melancholy · Sicilian Culture · Folklore · Lullaby