The Cunnin' Little Thing
The poem tells the story of a little girl who dies young and goes to heaven, where she is welcomed by angels and God. The speaker describes her as cunning and clever, and how she would trick people on earth. In heaven, she continues to play tricks on the saints and angels, but they forgive her because of her innocence and charm.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Lyrical · 244 words
First lines
When baby wakes of mornings, Then it's wake, ye people all! For another day Of song and play Has come at our darling's call! And, till she gets her dinner, She makes the welkin ring, And she won't keep still till she's had her fill -- The cunnin' little thing!
When baby goes a-walking, Oh, how her paddies fly! For that's the way The babies say To other folk "by-by"; The trees bend down to kiss her, And the birds in rapture sing, As there she stands and waves her hands -- The cunnin' little thing!
What this Textopian page supports
The Cunnin' Little Thing is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Lyrical, Humor, Family
- Length: 244 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cunnin' Little Thing 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 Cunnin' Little Thing?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem focuses on a child's experiences and emotions, making it primarily suitable for a young audience.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and rhythm characteristic of poetry.
- Lyrical — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions related to a child's innocence and joy.
- Humor — The playful language and depiction of a child's antics add a humorous tone to the work.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Irony · Social commentary · Children's literature · Poetry · Whimsical · Playful · Mischievous · Trickster · Folk tale · Fantasy