When the Poet Came by Eugene Field
The poem explores the idea of a poet's arrival in a new place, where he is met with indifference and hostility. The speaker describes the scene, noting the reactions of the people around him, and expresses his own feelings of disappointment and disillusionment.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 242 words
First lines
The ferny places gleam at morn, The dew drips off the leaves of corn; Along the brook a mist of white Fades as a kiss on lips of light; For, lo! the poet with his pipe Finds all these melodies are ripe!
Far up within the cadenced June Floats, silver-winged, a living tune That winds within the morning's chime And sets the earth and sky to rhyme; For, lo! the poet, absent long, Breathes the first raptures of his song!
Across the clover-blossoms, wet, With dainty clumps of violet, And wild red roses in her hair, There comes a little maiden fair.
I cannot more of June rehearse -- She is the ending of my verse.
What this Textopian page supports
When the Poet Came 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: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Pastoral Poetry, Childhood Poetry
- Length: 242 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of nature and its beauty is central to the poem's themes.
- Romantic Poetry — The poem reflects romantic ideals, focusing on beauty, emotion, and the connection between nature and the human experience.
- Pastoral Poetry — The setting and themes evoke a pastoral ideal, celebrating rural life and nature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Playful · Lighthearted · Nostalgic