The Fire-Hangbird's Nest by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a bird that builds its nest on a tree branch overhanging a river, and how it carefully constructs its home with twigs and moss. The poem explores themes of industry, care, and the connection between nature and the domestic sphere.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Coming-of-Age · 847 words
First lines
As I am sitting in the sun upon the porch to-day, / I look with wonder at the elm that stands across the way; / I say and mean "with wonder," for now it seems to me / That elm is not as tall as years ago it used to be! / The old fire-hangbird's built her nest therein for many springs -- / High up amid the sportive winds the curious cradle swings, / But not so high as when a little boy I did my best / To scale that elm and carry off the old fire-hangbird's nest!
What this Textopian page supports
The Fire-Hangbird's Nest is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Coming-of-Age, Nostalgia, Humor
- Length: 847 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Fire-Hangbird's Nest by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The poem reflects on nature, specifically the elm tree and the fire-hangbird, emphasizing the beauty and significance of the natural world.
- Coming-of-Age — The themes of childhood nostalgia and the transition from youth to adulthood are central to the narrative.
- Nostalgia — The poem evokes a sense of longing for the past and the innocence of childhood experiences.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Quest · Good vs Evil · Magic · Mythology · Folklore · Legendary Creatures · Dragons · Medieval · Knights · Chivalry