
The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on childhood. It describes a serene and idyllic scene where children are playing and laughing together, unaware of the hardships and sorrows that await them in life. The speaker expresses a sense of longing and wistfulness for this lost innocence and carefree nature of childhood.
By Eugene Field · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric · 189 words
Suppose, my dear, that you were I / And by your side your sweetheart sate; / Suppose you noticed by and by / The distance 'twixt you were too great; / Now tell me, dear, what would you do? / I know -- and so do you.
And when (so comfortably placed) / Suppose you only grew aware / That that dear, dainty little waist / Of hers looked very lonely there; / Pray tell me sooth -- what would you do? / I know, and so do you.
When, having done what I just did / With not a frown to check or chill, / Suppose her red lips seemed to bid / Defiance to your lordly will; / Oh, tell me, sweet, what would you do? / I know, and so do you.
Suppose is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1890 CE.
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Humor · Satire · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Playful · Witty · Irony · Social commentary · Absurdity · Nonsense verse · Wordplay