A Dream of Summer
The poem describes a nostalgic and idyllic summer day spent outdoors, surrounded by nature's beauty. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of youth, but finds solace in the enduring presence of memories from that summer. The poem explores themes of nostalgia, mortality, and the human experience.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1863 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 219 words
First lines
Bland as the morning breath of June The southwest breezes play; And, through its haze, the winter noon Seems warm as summer's day. The snow-plumed Angel of the North Has dropped his icy spear; Again the mossy earth looks forth, Again the streams gush clear.
The fox his hillside cell forsakes, The muskrat leaves his nook, The bluebird in the meadow brakes Is singing with the brook. "Bear up, O Mother Nature! " cry Bird, breeze, and streamlet free; "Our winter voices prophesy Of summer days to thee!"
What this Textopian page supports
A Dream of Summer is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1863 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism, Spiritual, Allegory
- Length: 219 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Dream of Summer by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Nature — The themes revolve around the natural world, depicting seasonal changes and the beauty of nature.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with Romantic literary ideals.
- Spiritual — The text explores themes of hope, faith, and the connection between nature and spirituality.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Summer · Dreams · Imagination · Romance · Love · Longing · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Hope · Optimism