By the Cradle. Cottage Songs
The work presents a serene and comforting portrayal of a child's bedtime, emphasizing themes of safety, familial love, and divine presence. The poem captures a mother's tender care as she watches over her sleeping child while engaging in her daily tasks. The father is depicted as industrious, working in the meadow, symbolizing the stability and support of the family unit. The imagery evokes a peaceful rural setting, where nature and domestic life intertwine. The child's innocence is highlighted through the gentle encouragement to sleep, with the assurance that both parents are nearby, fostering a sense of security. The mention of God watching over them reinforces the idea of a protective, omnipresent force, further enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. The rhythmic structure and simple language create a lullaby-like quality, making it suitable for its intended audience. Overall, the work encapsulates the essence of childhood, the nurturing bond between parents and their child, and the comforting notion of divine oversight in everyday life.
By George MacDonald · First published 1863 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Family · 180 words
First lines
Close her eyes: she must not peep!
Let her little puds go slack; Slide away far into sleep: Sis will watch till she comes back!
Mother's knitting at the door, Waiting till the kettle sings; When the kettle's song is o'er She will set the bright tea-things.
Father's busy making hay In the meadow by the brook, Not so very far away -- Close its peeps, it needn't look!
What this Textopian page supports
By the Cradle. Cottage Songs is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1863 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Family, Religious, Pastoral
- Length: 180 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes and language are simple and gentle, suitable for a young audience.
- Family — The content focuses on family life and domestic scenes, highlighting parental care.
- Religious — The text includes references to God and a sense of divine presence, indicating religious undertones.
Tags
poetry · folk songs · cottage life · nature · childhood · innocence · spirituality · simplicity · rural · family · love · tradition