Child Made Happy by James McIntyre
In a city hospital, a young girl named Mary Crosby endures a lonely and painful existence, isolated from friends and family. Her days are filled with sorrow as she struggles with her illness, unable to walk or find comfort. A compassionate surgeon notices her plight and attempts to bring her joy by gifting her colorful ribbons. These ribbons spark her imagination, allowing her to envision herself as a princess or a wealthy duchess, transforming her dreary reality into a world of beauty and wealth. Despite her fleeting moments of happiness, Mary is acutely aware of her deteriorating condition. She expresses gratitude to the surgeon for his kindness and the ribbons that brought her joy. As her health declines, she bids farewell to the surgeon, acknowledging her impending death. The narrative highlights themes of loneliness, the power of imagination, and the impact of compassion in the face of suffering. Mary's brief moments of happiness, facilitated by the surgeon's kindness, underscore the importance of human connection and the ability to find joy even in the darkest circumstances.
By James McIntyre · First published 1855 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Drama · 317 words
First lines
In a great city hospital There lay poor Mary Crosby small, She had no friends her heart to cheer, So time with her passed sad and drear.
She sought for ease but all in vain, Month after month she passed in pain, She had no relative nor friend Who aid or comfort could her lend.
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Child Made Happy is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1855 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1855 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Drama, Inspirational, Medical Fiction
- Length: 317 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes and subject matter focus on a child's experience and emotions, making it suitable for a younger audience.
- Drama — The narrative presents a poignant emotional conflict and character interactions, typical of dramatic literature.
- Inspirational — The story conveys themes of hope and resilience in the face of suffering, aiming to inspire readers.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Verse Novel · Nonsense Verse · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Playfulness