The Rock-a-by Lady by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a mother's lullaby to her child, describing the cradle's gentle rocking motion and the soothing sounds that help the baby fall asleep. The poem explores themes of maternal love, comfort, and the passing of time.
By Eugene Field · First published 1889 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy · 271 words
First lines
The Rock-a-By Lady from Hushaby street Comes stealing; comes creeping; The poppies they hang from her head to her feet, And each hath a dream that is tiny and fleet -- She bringeth her poppies to you, my sweet, When she findeth you sleeping!
There is one little dream of a beautiful drum -- "Rub-a-dub! " it goeth; There is one little dream of a big sugar-plum, And lo! thick and fast the other dreams come Of popguns that bang, and tin tops that hum, And a trumpet that bloweth!
What this Textopian page supports
The Rock-a-by Lady is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy, Lullaby, Nostalgia
- Length: 271 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Rock-a-by Lady by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Rock-a-by Lady?
- 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?
Similar titles
- The Song Of Luddy Dud by Eugene Field
- So So Rock A By So by Eugene Field
- Hushaby Sweet My Own by Eugene Field
- The Rose by Eugene Field
- Oh Little Child by Eugene Field
- A Lullaby by Eugene Field
Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem is designed for children, featuring whimsical themes and imagery that appeal to a young audience.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and rhythm characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The poem includes fantastical elements such as fairies and dreams, creating an imaginative world.
- Lullaby — The soothing tone and content of the poem serve as a lullaby, intended to comfort and help children sleep.
Tags
Nostalgic · Whimsical · Poetic · Melancholic · Dreamy · Fantastical · Imaginative · Childlike · Innocent · Sentimental · Romantic · Victorian