Hide and Seek (Lyrics) by Henry Van Dyke
The poem explores themes of childhood innocence, nostalgia, and the enduring bond between a parent and child. It begins with a playful scene where a child engages in a game of hide and seek amidst a tranquil natural setting. The imagery evokes a sense of peace and joy, highlighting the carefree nature of youth. As the game unfolds, the child’s laughter and calls create a lively atmosphere, emphasizing the joy of discovery and connection. Transitioning to a more somber tone, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the loss of the child, who has grown up and left. The speaker's search for the child symbolizes a longing for the past and the innocence of childhood. Despite the separation, the speaker expresses hope and love, believing that the bond remains unbroken. The memories of shared experiences, such as the beauty of nature and the joy of simple pleasures, serve as a reminder of their connection. Ultimately, the poem conveys a message of enduring love, suggesting that while physical presence may fade, emotional ties persist. The refrain of "Coo-ee" symbolizes a call to reconnect, embodying the hope that love transcends time and space.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Pastoral · 437 words
Editions
First lines
I. All the trees are sleeping, all the winds are still, / All the flocks of fleecy clouds have wandered past the hill; / Through the noonday silence, down the woods of June, / Hark, a little hunter's voice comes running with a tune. / "Hide and seek! / "When I speak, / "You must answer me: / "Call again, / "Merry men, / "Coo-ee, coo-ee, coo-ee!"
Now I hear his footsteps, rustling through the grass: / Hidden in my leafy nook, shall I let him pass? / Just a low, soft whistle, -- quick the hunter turns, / Leaps upon me laughing, rolls me in the ferns. / "Hold him fast, / "Caught at last! / "Now you're it, you see. / "Hide your eye, / "Till I cry, / "Coo-ee, coo-ee, coo-ee!"
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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 of play, innocence, and a child's perspective are central to the work.
- Pastoral — The imagery of nature, such as trees, winds, and flocks, evokes a pastoral setting.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional expression, along with musical elements, aligns with the lyric genre.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Playful · Imaginative · Whimsical · Rhyming · Verse · Storytelling · Literary Fiction · Classic · Timeless · Humorous
What this Textopian page supports
Hide and Seek (Lyrics) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Pastoral, Lyric, Nostalgia
- Length: 437 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Hide and Seek (Lyrics) by Henry Van Dyke
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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