The First Bird o' Spring. to Olive Wheeler (Musi
This poem is a lyrical tribute to the arrival of spring, personified as a bird that brings music and joy to the world. The speaker addresses Olive Wheeler, a musician, and invites her to join in the celebration of nature's rebirth. The poem explores themes of renewal, hope, and the interconnectedness of art and nature.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romantic · 199 words
First lines
Winter on Mount Shasta, / April down below; / Golden hours of glowing sun, / Sudden showers of snow!
Under leafless thickets / Early wild-flowers cling; / But, oh, my dear, I'm fain to hear / The first bird o' Spring!
Alders are in tassel, / Maples are in bud; / Waters of the blue McCloud / Shout in joyful flood; / Through the giant pine-trees / Flutters many a wing; / But, oh, my dear, I long to hear / The first bird o' Spring!
Candle-light and fire-light / Mingle at "the Bend; " / 'Neath the roof of Bo-hai-pan / Light and shadow blend.
What this Textopian page supports
The First Bird o' Spring. to Olive Wheeler (Music) 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, Nature, Romantic, Pastoral
- Length: 199 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The First Bird o' Spring. to Olive Wheeler (Music) 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- A Spring Song And A Later by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Song After Sundown The Wood Notes Of The Veery by Henry Van Dyke
- An Easter Flower Gift by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Blossoms On The Trees by James Whitcomb Riley
- Elizabeth May 1 1891 by James Whitcomb Riley
- Song Inviting The Influence Of A Young Lady Upon The Opening Year by Hilaire Belloc
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The themes and imagery are centered around natural elements and the changing seasons.
- Romantic — The text expresses longing and appreciation for beauty, typical of romantic literature.
- Pastoral — The depiction of rural and natural settings aligns with pastoral themes.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Spring · Seasonal · Symbolism · Birds · Literary · Classic · American · 19th Century · Romantic · Imagery