The Bell-Flower Tree by Eugene Field
The poem explores the idea that a bell-flower tree blooms only once every thousand years, and its beauty is so breathtaking that it causes anyone who sees it to forget everything else. The speaker describes the tree's beauty in vivid detail, emphasizing its impact on those who witness it.
By Eugene Field · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Nostalgia · 487 words
First lines
When brother Bill and I were boys, How often in the summer we Would seek the shade your branches made, O fair and gracious bell-flower tree! Amid the clover bloom we sat And looked upon the Holyoke range, While Fido lay a space away, Thinking our silence very strange.
The woodchuck in the pasture-lot, Beside his furtive hole elate, Heard, off beyond the pickerel pond, The redwing-blackbird chide her mate.
What this Textopian page supports
The Bell-Flower Tree is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Nostalgia, Romanticism, Literary Fiction
- Length: 487 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes natural elements and the setting, focusing on the bell-flower tree and its surroundings.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around childhood memories and longing for the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and personal reflection.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Romanticism · 19th Century · Whimsical · Fantastical · Dreamlike · Idyllic · Pastoral