Up on the Mountain by Fannie Stearns Davis
"Up on the Mountain" by Fannie Stearns Davis is a poem that explores themes of solitude, nature, and escape. The speaker expresses a desire to retreat to a mountain where only the elements and wildlife reside, away from the prying eyes and judgmental minds of society. The mountain is depicted as a place of peace and natural beauty, where the speaker can find rest and solace, akin to a deer in the fern or a bird in the nest. The poem contrasts the tranquility of the mountain with the harshness of human interactions, suggesting a longing for simplicity and a connection with nature. The speaker envisions sleeping peacefully among the trees, feeling the gentle presence of the night, and being comforted by the natural sounds and sights. The poem conveys a sense of yearning for a place where one can be free from societal pressures and find true contentment in the embrace of the natural world.
By Fannie Stearns Davis · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Poetry, Pastoral · 264 words
First lines
Up on the mountain, where nobody comes, (But the wild wind walks, and the wild bee hums,) --
Up on the mountain, where nobody spies, But the shy ones, the swift ones, soft-footed and wise, --
There in the singing and coolness and height, With the thrush-voice all day and the brook-voice all night, --
There will I wander, and there will I rest, As a deer in the fern, as a bird in the nest.
What this Textopian page supports
Up on the Mountain is listed on Textopian as a short story by Fannie Stearns Davis, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Fannie Stearns Davis
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Poetry, Pastoral, Meditative, Transcendental
- Length: 264 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Up on the Mountain by Fannie Stearns Davis
- 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
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a lyrical, rhythmic piece utilizing poetic language and form.
- Nature Poetry — The text centers on vivid natural imagery and landscape, emphasizing the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
- Pastoral — It idealizes a retreat to nature, contrasting serene, unspoiled environments with the harshness of society.
- Meditative — The themes of introspection, solitude, and contemplative reflection imbue the text with a meditative quality.
Tags
adventure · nature · mountains · spirituality · self-discovery · rural life · American landscape · outdoor exploration · inspirational · memoir · historical insight · family