Thank God for Little Children
The poem expresses deep gratitude for the presence of children, portraying them as bright and joyful elements in life. Children are likened to flowers that bring beauty and joy, especially during difficult times. Their innocence and purity are seen as gifts that uplift spirits and provide comfort. The imagery suggests that children carry messages from a higher realm, embodying hope and divine blessings. The work emphasizes the value of children in any household, asserting that their presence is more precious than material wealth. The speaker urges parents, particularly mothers, to cherish and protect their children, viewing them as sacred treasures. The poem conveys a spiritual connection, suggesting that children are not only a source of joy but also a means of connecting with the divine. The overall tone is one of reverence and appreciation for the role of children in enriching lives and homes.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1868 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational · 201 words
First lines
Thank God for little children, Bright flowers by earth's wayside, The dancing, joyous lifeboats Upon life's stormy tide.
Thank God for little children; When our skies are cold and gray, They come as sunshine to our hearts, And charm our cares away.
I almost think the angels, Who tend life's garden fair, Drop down the sweet wild blossoms That bloom around us here.
It seems a breath of heaven Round many a cradle lies, And every little baby Brings a message from the skies.
What this Textopian page supports
Thank God for Little Children is listed on Textopian as a poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1868 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Date: 1868 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational, Children's Literature, Family
- Length: 201 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Thank God for Little Children by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- Hymn Of The Children by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Mothers Blessing by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Burial Of Sarah by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Nothing And Something by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Shall I Say My Son Youre Branded by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- The Branded Hand by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of childhood and innocence.
- Religious — The poem expresses gratitude and reverence towards children as divine gifts, reflecting spiritual themes.
- Inspirational — The text aims to uplift and inspire appreciation for the joys and blessings of children.
- Children's Literature — The subject matter centers on children, making it relevant to the genre that celebrates childhood.
Tags
Slavery · Abolitionism · African American Literature · Children's Rights · Family Dynamics · Social Justice · Poetry · Narrative Poetry · 19th Century Literature · American Literature · Feminist Literature · Motherhood