The Birds by Hilaire Belloc (1907)
A group of birds are depicted as a threat to human society, with their numbers increasing and their behavior becoming more aggressive. The narrative explores the consequences of this scenario, including the disruption of daily life and the potential for violence.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1907 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Children's Literature, Christian Allegory · 96 words
First lines
When Jesus Christ was four years old, The angels brought Him toys of gold, Which no man ever had bought or sold.
And yet with these He would not play.
He made Him small fowl out of clay, And blessed them till they flew away: _Tu creasti Domine_.
Jesus Christ, Thou child so wise, Bless mine hands and fill mine eyes, And bring my soul to Paradise.
What this Textopian page supports
The Birds is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, 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: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Children's Literature, Christian Allegory, Devotional
- Length: 96 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Birds by Hilaire Belloc
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Birds?
- How does this poem by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Elephant by Hilaire Belloc
- The Big Baboon by Hilaire Belloc
- The Lion by Hilaire Belloc
- Angels Toys by Oliver Herford
- The Flower Circus by Oliver Herford
- Mule And Bear Fight by James Mcintyre
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem centers on a young Jesus Christ and includes religious themes and references.
- Children's Literature — The narrative involves a young Jesus, appealing to themes suitable for children.
- Christian Allegory — The poem uses allegorical elements to convey Christian teachings and beliefs.
- Devotional — The text includes a prayer-like appeal for blessing and spiritual guidance.
Tags
Fable · Satire · Poetry · Children's Literature · Animal Story · Social Commentary · Humor · Critique of Society · Morality Tale · Fantasy · Nonsense Verse · Wordplay