I Would I were a Child
The story follows a young boy named David who wishes to be a child again and embarks on a journey through time to fulfill his wish. Along the way, he meets various characters who teach him valuable lessons about life and growing up. The book explores themes of innocence, maturity, and the passage of time.
By George MacDonald · First published 1857 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational · 562 words
First lines
I would I were a child, That I might look, and laugh, and say, My Father! And follow thee with running feet, or rather Be led through dark and wild!
How I would hold thy hand, My glad eyes often to thy glory lifting! Should darkness 'twixt thy face and mine come drifting, My heart would but expand.
What this Textopian page supports
I Would I were a Child is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1857 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: 1857 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational, Philosophical, Reflective
- Length: 562 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for I Would I were a Child by George MacDonald
- 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 I Would I were a Child?
- How does this poem by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Summer by George Macdonald
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- Baby by George Macdonald
- The Child In The Midst by George Macdonald
- To The Clouds by George Macdonald
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — The themes revolve around spirituality, divine guidance, and a relationship with God.
- Inspirational — The work encourages faith and hope, aiming to inspire and uplift the reader.
- Philosophical — It explores existential themes such as the nature of the soul and the human condition.
Tags
childhood · innocence · imagination · fantasy · adventure · self-discovery · growth · wisdom · nature · spirituality · dreams · friendship