A Mile with Me by Henry van Dyke
The work portrays life as a journey best navigated with a trusted companion. It invites a friend to share both the joyous, lighthearted moments and the somber, reflective parts of existence. The journey is depicted through vivid imagery—a stroll through sunlit fields filled with flowers juxtaposed against a darkening landscape—that symbolizes the interplay of happiness and sorrow. The companion is envisioned as one who embraces childhood exuberance yet possesses the insight to appreciate the quiet, profound beauty of twilight. This duality emphasizes that true friendship provides comfort in times of hardship while amplifying delight during moments of celebration. The piece suggests that every step of life's path, whether filled with merriment or weariness, gains meaning through shared experience. Ultimately, it celebrates the enduring nature of a bond that assures reunion even after fleeting partings, reinforcing the idea that companionship transforms both the journey and its inevitable end.
By Henry van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Lyrical Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Pastoral Poetry · 210 words
First lines
O who will walk a mile with me / Along life's merry way?
A comrade blithe and full of glee, / Who dares to laugh out loud and free, / And let his frolic fancy play, / Like a happy child, through the flowers gay / That fill the field and fringe the way / Where he walks a mile with me.
And who will walk a mile with me / Along life's weary way?
A friend whose heart has eyes to see / The stars shine out o'er the darkening lea, / And the quiet rest at the end o' the day --
What this Textopian page supports
A Mile with Me is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry van Dyke, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyrical Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Pastoral Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Friendship Literature
- Length: 210 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Mile with Me by Henry van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Lyrical Poetry — The work employs rhythmic verse and emotional expression, emphasizing personal reflections on life's journey.
- Inspirational Poetry — The text encourages optimism and resilience, inviting readers to embrace life's challenges through shared companionship.
- Pastoral Poetry — The poem features vivid natural imagery and seasonal references that evoke the tranquility of rural life.
- Philosophical Poetry — It contemplates existential themes, highlighting reflections on the meaning of life and interpersonal bonds.
Tags
inspirational · spiritual · devotional · religious · meditative · reflective · journey · faith · Christian · uplifting · motivational · philosophical