Bed in Summer

Name: Bed in Summer
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem contrasts the experiences of a child during winter and summer, highlighting the differences in daily routines and the emotional responses to these changes. In winter, the child rises at night, illuminated by candlelight, suggesting a cozy, quiet atmosphere. However, in summer, the child faces the challenge of going to bed while the world is still vibrant and active. The imagery evokes a sense of longing and frustration as the child observes birds playing and adults bustling about, emphasizing the desire to join in the lively summer activities. The clear blue sky symbolizes freedom and joy, which the child feels deprived of due to the necessity of sleep. This tension between the desire for play and the obligation to rest encapsulates the innocence and struggles of childhood, where the natural world seems to beckon while responsibilities confine. The poem effectively captures the bittersweet nature of growing up, where the joys of summer are overshadowed by the constraints of bedtime, leaving the child yearning for the freedom to engage with the world outside.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1885 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Lyrical Poetry, Nature Poetry · 123 words

First lines

In winter I get up at night, And dress by yellow candle light.

In summer quite the other way, I have to go to bed by day.

I have to go to bed and see The birds still hopping on the tree, Or hear the grown-up people's feet, Still going past me in the street.

And does it not seem hard to you, When all the sky is clear and blue, And I should like so much to play, To have to go to bed by day?

What this Textopian page supports

Bed in Summer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1885 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1885 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Poetry, Lyrical Poetry, Nature Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Children's Literature
Length: 123 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 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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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Poetry — The poem is written for children, using simple language and themes that resonate with their experiences.
Lyrical Poetry — The poem employs a musical quality and emotional expression, characteristic of lyrical poetry.
Nature Poetry — The poem reflects on the natural world, particularly the contrast between seasons and the activities of birds.
Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story about the speaker's feelings regarding bedtime and the desire to play.