Suppose by Eugene Field (1890)
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
First lines
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.
What this Textopian page supports
Suppose is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric, Narrative, Humor
- Length: 189 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Suppose by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Suppose?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Fiducit by Eugene Field
- Horace I 22 by Eugene Field
- Lydia Dick by Eugene Field
- With Two Spoons For Two Spoons by Eugene Field
- Horace I 33 by Eugene Field
- Horace I 27 by Eugene Field
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — The themes revolve around love and desire, typical of romantic literature.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, aligning with the lyric genre.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story through its hypothetical scenarios and dialogues.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Playful · Witty · Irony · Social commentary · Absurdity · Nonsense verse · Wordplay