Hymn of the Children
The poem describes a group of children singing a hymn on their way to school. The hymn is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of nature, with lyrics that praise God's creation. The speaker reflects on the innocence and joy of childhood, contrasting it with the hardships and struggles of adulthood.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1860 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Children's Literature · 138 words
First lines
Sung at the anniversary of the Children's Mission, Boston, 1878.
Thine are all the gifts, O God! Thine the broken bread; Let the naked feet be shod, And the starving fed.
Let Thy children, by Thy grace, Give as they abound, Till the poor have breathing-space, And the lost are found.
Wiser than the miser's hoards Is the giver's choice; Sweeter than the song of birds Is the thankful voice.
What this Textopian page supports
Hymn of the Children is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1860 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: 1860 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Children's Literature, Social Commentary, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 138 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Hymn of the Children by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work expresses themes of divine grace, charity, and the importance of caring for others, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Inspirational Poetry — The poem aims to inspire readers to act with kindness and generosity, promoting a message of hope and compassion.
- Children's Literature — The focus on children and their needs, as well as the celebration of childhood, aligns it with children's literature.
- Social Commentary — The poem addresses social issues such as poverty and the importance of community support, reflecting social commentary.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Children's Rights · Social Justice · Slavery · Abolitionism · Free Verse · Ballad Form · Narrative Poetry · Historical Fiction · American History