The Clink of the Ice by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a young girl who dies after ice-skating on a cold winter day. The narrative is presented from the perspective of the girl's spirit, which remains at the scene of her death, watching as people discover her body and mourn her passing. The poem explores themes of mortality, innocence, and the fleeting nature of life.
By Eugene Field · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Lyric · 628 words
First lines
NOTABLY fond of music, I dote on a sweeter tone Than ever the harp has uttered or ever the lute has known.
When I wake at five in the morning with a feeling in my head Suggestive of mild excesses before I retired to bed; When a small but fierce volcano vexes me sore inside, And my throat and mouth are furred with a fur that seemeth a buffalo hide, -- How gracious those dews of solace that over my senses fall At the clink of the ice in the pitcher the boy brings up the hall!
What this Textopian page supports
The Clink of the Ice is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Lyric, Narrative, Satire
- Length: 628 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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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 playful language to convey the speaker's humorous take on drinking and excess.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, focusing on the speaker's experience and reflections.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story about the speaker's experiences and thoughts related to drinking and its effects.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Wit · Irony · Social Commentary · Drink · Alcoholism · Temperance Movement · Prohibition Era