Looking-Glass River

Name: Looking-Glass River
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem explores the beauty and tranquility of a river, emphasizing its smooth flow and the enchanting reflections it creates. The imagery evokes a sense of wonder, as the speaker describes the river's clear waters, where children can see their faces mirrored in the pool. The natural elements, such as blossoms and fish, contribute to the serene atmosphere. As the poem progresses, the tranquility is momentarily disrupted by the ripples caused by wind or movement, which obscure the reflections and darken the water. This fleeting disturbance serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of childhood innocence and joy. The speaker reassures the children that the clarity will return, suggesting a cycle of disruption and restoration in nature and life. The overall tone is one of gentle nostalgia, capturing the essence of childhood curiosity and the desire to immerse oneself in the natural world. The poem invites readers to appreciate the simple yet profound beauty of their surroundings, while also acknowledging the inevitable changes that come with time.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature Writing · 192 words

First lines

Smooth it slides upon its travel, Here a wimple, there a gleam -- O the clean gravel! O the smooth stream!

Sailing blossoms, silver fishes, Paven pools as clear as air -- How a child wishes To live down there!

We can see our colored faces Floating on the shaken pool Down in cool places, Dim and very cool;

Till a wind or water wrinkle, Dipping marten, plumping trout, Spreads in a twinkle And blots all out.

What this Textopian page supports

Looking-Glass River 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: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature Writing, Fantasy, Lyrical
Length: 192 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Children's Literature — The themes and language are accessible to children, focusing on nature and imagination.
Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes natural elements, emphasizing the beauty of the river and its surroundings.
Fantasy — The imagery evokes a sense of wonder and imagination, typical of fantasy literature.