Angel's Toys by Oliver Herford
The poem explores the whimsical notion of what little angels do in eternity while adult angels engage in music. It ponders the fate of troublesome human traits and personalities, suggesting that those who are neither virtuous nor wicked on Earth transform into toys for angelic children. The narrative identifies various negative human characteristics—such as arrogance, gossip, and foolishness—and imagines their transformation into playful objects. For instance, a braggart becomes a toy balloon, while a snob turns into a shuttlecock. The poem humorously illustrates how these undesirable traits are repurposed into harmless toys, providing amusement for angelic beings. The speaker reflects on the nature of these transformations, questioning the purpose of certain personalities, particularly the "prig," whose utility remains a mystery. This contemplation leads to a broader commentary on human behavior and the afterlife, suggesting that even the most annoying traits can find a place in a celestial context, albeit as mere playthings. Ultimately, the work presents a lighthearted yet critical view of human flaws, proposing that in the grand scheme of eternity, even the most bothersome aspects of humanity can be reimagined for the joy of others.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Humor · 345 words
First lines
I've often wondered -- have n't you? -- What all the little angels do To while eternity away, When grown-up angels sing and play Upon their harps with golden strings, And lutes and violas and things.
What do they do? What do they play To while eternity away? After much pondering profound, Perhaps an answer I have found -- I give it you for what it's worth.
What this Textopian page supports
Angel's Toys is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Herford, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Humor, Children's Literature, Philosophical
- Length: 345 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Crumbs by Oliver Herford
- How Pleasant To Know Mr Lear by Edward Lear
- The Forgetful Forgetmenot by Oliver Herford
- The New Vestments by Edward Lear
- The Flower Circus by Oliver Herford
- The Table And The Chair by Edward Lear
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The poem explores whimsical themes involving angels and the transformation of earthly nuisances into toys, indicative of a fantastical setting.
- Humor — The poem employs satire and humor to critique human behaviors and societal norms through playful imagery.
- Children's Literature — The themes and playful tone make it suitable for a younger audience, focusing on imagination and innocence.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Poetry · Children's Literature · Nonsense Verse · Wordplay · Imagination · Fantasy · Whimsy · Playfulness · Language Play · Rhetorical Devices