The Floor by Oliver Herford (1910)
The poem celebrates the floor as a steadfast and reliable presence throughout various stages of life. It personifies the floor as a loyal companion that supports individuals during their falls and moments of weakness. The speaker acknowledges the unreliability of other furniture, such as benches and tables, which can be fickle or unstable. In contrast, the floor is depicted as a constant source of support, providing a safe space when one cannot stand alone. The poem highlights the floor's role in both infancy and old age, suggesting that it serves as a nurturing element throughout life. It emphasizes the floor's importance in daily experiences, portraying it as a dry nurse for infants and a wet nurse for the elderly, symbolizing care and support in different life phases. The speaker raises a toast to the floor, expressing gratitude for its unwavering presence and reliability, even when it may be worn or full. Overall, the work conveys a sense of appreciation for the mundane yet essential aspects of life, using the floor as a metaphor for stability and support in the face of life's challenges. The tone is light-hearted and whimsical, celebrating the often-overlooked elements of our surroundings that play a crucial role in our existence.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Philosophical · 149 words
First lines
Here's to the floor, Our best friend of all, Who sticks to us close In the time of our fall.
When benches are fickle And tables betray And rugs are revolving, He meets us half-way.
Our stay and support, When we can't stand alone, With the floor for a backer, We'll never be thrown.
Here's to our friend, In life's every stage!
What this Textopian page supports
The Floor 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, Humor, Philosophical, Children's Literature, Satire
- Length: 149 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of support and stability.
- Humor — The light-hearted tone and playful personification of the floor suggest a humorous approach to everyday life.
- Philosophical — The poem reflects on the nature of support and reliance, prompting deeper contemplation on life's stages.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and relatable themes make it suitable for a younger audience.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Poetry · Literary Fiction · Social Commentary · Dark Comedy · Absurdism · Wordplay · Language Play · Irony · Sarcasm · Critique of Society