Farewell to the Farm by Robert Louis Stevenson

Name: Farewell to the Farm
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The narrative captures the bittersweet emotions of children leaving their familiar rural home for an uncertain future. It begins with the excitement of departure, as the children eagerly board a coach, expressing their farewells to the various elements of their childhood environment—house, garden, fields, and the playful memories associated with them. Each stanza emphasizes the innocence and joy of their experiences, juxtaposed with the sadness of leaving behind cherished places and objects. As the coach departs, the children sing a chorus of goodbyes, highlighting their attachment to the physical spaces that shaped their early lives. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia, as they recall specific details like the hayloft, the stable, and the swing, which symbolize freedom and play. The repetition of "Good-bye" reinforces the finality of their departure, marking a significant transition from childhood to a new phase of life. The journey away from home is depicted as both exhilarating and sorrowful. The shrinking landscape outside the coach window serves as a metaphor for the loss of their childhood innocence and the inevitable passage of time. The poem encapsulates the universal experience of growing up, where leaving behind the familiar is both a rite of passage and a source of longing. Ultimately, the work reflects on themes of memory, change, and the emotional complexity of farewells. It resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of leaving a beloved place, capturing the essence of childhood and the poignant moments that define it.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nostalgia · 158 words

First lines

The coach is at the door at last; / The eager children, mounting fast / And kissing hands, in chorus sing: / Good-bye, good-bye, to everything!

To house and garden, field and lawn, / The meadow-gates we swung upon, / To pump and stable, tree and swing, / Good-bye, good-bye, to everything!

And fare you well for evermore, / O ladder at the hayloft door, / O hayloft where the cobwebs cling, / Good-bye, good-bye, to everything!

Crack goes the whip, and off we go; / The trees and houses smaller grow; / Last, round the woody turn we swing: / Good-bye, good-bye, to everything!

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Farewell to the Farm is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1883 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1883 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nostalgia, Lyric, Nature Writing
Length: 158 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and rhythm, characteristic of poetry.
Children's Literature — The themes of childhood experiences and nostalgia resonate with a young audience.
Nostalgia — The poem reflects on memories and the bittersweet nature of leaving familiar places.
Lyric — The emotional expression and personal reflection align with the lyric genre.