A Slumber Song for the Fisherman's Child
The poem is a lullaby-like piece that explores the relationship between a father and his child. The speaker addresses the child, describing the peacefulness of the night and the safety of being in their father's care. The poem touches on themes of protection, security, and the passing of time.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Lullaby, Children's Literature · 345 words
First lines
Furl your sail, my little boatie; / Here 's the haven, still and deep, / Where the dreaming tides, in-streaming, / Up the channel creep. / See, the sunset breeze is dying; / Hark, the plover, landward flying, / Softly down the twilight crying; / Come to anchor, little boatie, / In the port of Sleep.
Far away, my little boatie, / Roaring waves are white with foam; / Ships are striving, onward driving, / Day and night they roam. / Father 's at the deep-sea trawling, / In the darkness, rowing, hauling, / While the hungry winds are calling, -- / God protect him, little boatie, / Bring him safely home!
What this Textopian page supports
A Slumber Song for the Fisherman's Child is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lullaby, Children's Literature, Nautical, Pastoral
- Length: 345 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Slumber Song for the Fisherman's Child 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
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Lullaby — The soothing and calming tone, along with the theme of sleep, aligns with the traditional purpose of a lullaby.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and comforting imagery suggest it is intended for a young audience.
- Nautical — The imagery and references to boats, the sea, and sailing are central to the work's theme.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nautical · Folklore · Mythology · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Nature · Dreams · Sleep