Thirty-Nine by Eugene Field (1892)
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the passing of time. It describes a person's life from birth to death, with each stanza representing a different stage of life. The poem uses imagery and symbolism to convey the idea that life is fleeting and that death is inevitable.
By Eugene Field · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Personal Reflection · 541 words
First lines
O hapless day! O wretched day! / I hoped you'd pass me by -- / Alas, the years have sneaked away / And all is changed but I! / Had I the power, I would remand / You to a gloom condign, / But here you've crept upon me and / I -- I am thirty-nine!
Now, were I thirty-five, I could / Assume a flippant guise; / Or, were I forty years, I should / Undoubtedly look wise; / For forty years are said to bring / Sedateness superfine; / But thirty-nine don't mean a thing -- / _A bas_ with thirty-nine!
What this Textopian page supports
Thirty-Nine is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Personal Reflection, Lyric, Satire
- Length: 541 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Thirty-Nine 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 a poem that explores themes of aging and self-reflection through lyrical expression.
- Humor — The poem employs a humorous tone to address the anxieties and absurdities associated with turning thirty-nine.
- Personal Reflection — The poem reflects on personal feelings and experiences related to age and maturity.
- Lyric — The poem is characterized by its emotional expression and personal voice, typical of lyric poetry.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Wit · Irony · Whimsy · Nostalgia · Rural Life · Midwest · 19th Century