Little Maid-O'-Dreams
The poem is a nostalgic and sentimental portrayal of childhood innocence and the passing of time. It describes a young girl's carefree existence, her imagination and dreams, and the inevitability of growing up and losing that sense of wonder. The speaker reflects on how quickly children grow and mature, and how their youthful innocence is lost as they become adults.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Children's Literature · 403 words
First lines
Little Maid-o'-Dreams, with your Eery eyes so clear and pure Gazing, where we fain would see Into far futurity, -- Tell us what you there behold, In your visions manifold! What is on beyond our sight, Biding till the morrow's light, Fairer than we see to-day, As our dull eyes only may?
Little Maid-o'-Dreams, with face Like as in some woodland place Lifts a lily, chaste and white, From the shadow to the light; -- Tell us, by your subtler glance, What strange sorcery enchants You as now, -- here, yet afar As the realms of moon and star? -- Have you magic lamp and ring, And genii for vassaling?
What this Textopian page supports
Little Maid-O'-Dreams is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Romanticism, Philosophical
- Length: 403 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The text includes elements of magic, dreams, and otherworldly visions, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Children's Literature — The themes of innocence, youth, and imagination align with literature aimed at a younger audience.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on nature, emotion, and the idealization of youth reflects Romantic literary themes.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nursery Rhyme · Folklore · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Dreams · Childhood · Innocence