The Child in the Garden (Sonnets)
This collection of sonnets explores themes of childhood innocence and the passing of time. The poems often juxtapose the carefree nature of children with the harsh realities of adulthood. They also touch on the idea that childhood experiences shape our perceptions of the world and ourselves.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Pastoral · 179 words
First lines
When to the garden of untroubled thought I came of late, and saw the open door, And wished again to enter, and explore The sweet, wild ways with stainless bloom inwrought, And bowers of innocence with beauty fraught, It seemed some purer voice must speak before I dared to tread that garden loved of yore, That Eden lost unknown and found unsought.
Then just within the gate I saw a child, -- A stranger-child, yet to my heart most dear; He held his hands to me, and softly smiled With eyes that knew no shade of sin or fear: "Come in," he said, "and play awhile with me; "I am the little child you used to be."
January, 1903.
What this Textopian page supports
The Child in the Garden (Sonnets) 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, Philosophical, Pastoral, Reflective, Romantic
- Length: 179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, a form of poetry characterized by its specific rhyme scheme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep reflections on innocence, memory, and the passage of time, which are common in philosophical literature.
- Pastoral — The imagery of a garden and the natural setting evoke the pastoral tradition, emphasizing an idealized view of nature.
- Reflective — The poem involves introspection and personal reflection, focusing on the narrator's inner thoughts and emotions.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Childhood · Garden · Sonnets · Literary · Symbolic · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Spiritual · Philosophical