Indolence by Gelett Burgess (1895)
Indolence is a poem written by Gelett Burgess that explores the theme of laziness and inactivity. The speaker expresses their desire to do nothing but lie around all day, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. They describe how they would rather spend their time watching clouds float by or listening to birds sing than engage in any sort of productive activity. Throughout the poem, Burgess uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to paint a picture of a lazy, carefree existence that is both appealing and humorous.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1895 · Genre: Children's Literature, Humor, Poetry · 96 words
First lines
There was a Goop who lay in bed Till half-past eight, the sleepy-head!
He couldn't find his stockings, for He'd thrown them somewhere on the floor!
He couldn't find his reading-book; He had forgotten where to look!
His breakfast grew so very cold, This lazy Goop began to scold; And then he blamed his mother, kind!
What this Textopian page supports
Indolence is listed on Textopian as a poem by Gelett Burgess, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Gelett Burgess
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Humor, Poetry, Didactic
- Length: 96 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Indolence by Gelett Burgess
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Indolence?
- How does this poem by Gelett Burgess fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The simple language, rhyming structure, and moral lesson are characteristic of children's literature.
- Humor — The playful tone and exaggerated depiction of laziness are intended to amuse and entertain.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse with a consistent rhyme scheme, typical of poetry.
- Didactic — The story conveys a moral lesson about the consequences of laziness, aligning with didactic literature.
Tags
indolence · leisure · laziness · humor · satire · poetry · philosophy · self-reflection · society · idleness · contemplation · art