The Brook by Eugene Field (1897)
The poem describes a brook that babbles and flows through the countryside, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. The brook's gentle voice is likened to a lullaby, soothing and calming the surroundings. The poem also touches on the idea of the passage of time, as the brook continues to flow despite the changing seasons.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Childhood Reflection · 248 words
First lines
I looked in the brook and saw a face -- Heigh-ho, but a child was I! There were rushes and willows in that place, And they clutched at the brook as the brook ran by; And the brook it ran its own sweet way, As a child doth run in heedless play, And as it ran I heard it say: "Hasten with me To the roistering sea That is wroth with the flame of the morning sky!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Brook is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Childhood Reflection, Philosophical Poetry, Romanticism
- Length: 248 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Brook 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 The Brook?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- To A Little Brook by Eugene Field
- The Mill Pond by Edward Thomas
- Home At Night by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Springtime by Eugene Field
- A Spring Poem From Bion by Eugene Field
- Matin by Joyce Kilmer
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The brook and natural imagery are central to the poem, emphasizing the relationship between nature and human experience.
- Childhood Reflection — The themes of childhood innocence and the passage of time are prominent throughout the poem.
- Philosophical Poetry — The poem contemplates deeper themes of life, time, and existence.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Stream · Water · Rural · Countryside · Idyllic · Peaceful · Serenity · Reflection · Contemplation · Imagery