The Bottle and the Bird
The poem tells the story of a bird that builds its nest on a bottle's neck, and how it affects the people who live nearby. The bird's presence brings joy to the children but also causes trouble for the household by stealing food from their table.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Narrative · 715 words
First lines
Once on a time a friend of mine prevailed on me to go To see the dazzling splendors of a sinful ballet show, And after we had reveled in the saltatory sights We sought a neighboring cafe for more tangible delights; When I demanded of my friend what viands he preferred, He quoth: "A large cold bottle and a small hot bird!"
Fool that I was, I did not know what anguish hidden lies Within the morceau that allures the nostrils and the eyes! There is a glorious candor in an honest quart of wine -- A certain inspiration which I cannot well define! How it bubbles, how it sparkles, how its gurgling seems to say: "Come, on a tide of rapture let me float your soul away!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Bottle and the Bird is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Narrative, Satire, Lyric
- Length: 715 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bottle and the Bird 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
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- How does this short story by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses wit and satire to explore the absurdity of the narrator's experience with food and drink.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story about a personal experience, detailing events and reflections of the narrator.
- Satire — The poem critiques societal norms around indulgence and the consequences of excess.
Tags
Poetry · Nostalgia · Childhood · Imagination · Fantasy · Whimsy · Humor · Lighthearted · Playful · Vivid Imagery · Symbolism · Allegory