My Bed is a Boat

Name: My Bed is a Boat
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem presents a child's imaginative journey as they transform their bed into a boat, embarking on nightly adventures. The child is assisted by a caregiver, who prepares them for sleep by dressing them in a sailor's coat, symbolizing readiness for exploration. As night falls, the child bids farewell to their friends, indicating a departure from the familiar world into a realm of dreams. The act of closing their eyes signifies the beginning of the voyage, where the child sails away into a dreamscape, detached from reality. The mention of taking items to bed, such as wedding cake or toys, reflects the child's desire to bring comfort and familiarity into their imaginative journey, akin to a sailor packing essentials for a trip. Throughout the night, the child navigates through darkness, representing the unknown aspects of dreams. The return to the waking world is marked by the arrival of day, where the child finds themselves safely back in their room, likened to a ship returning to port. The imagery of the vessel being "fast" suggests security and stability, contrasting the adventurous spirit of the night. Overall, the work encapsulates themes of childhood imagination, the transition between reality and dreams, and the comfort found in familiar routines. The metaphor of the bed as a boat serves to illustrate the boundless possibilities of a child's mind during sleep, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1913 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy · 156 words

First lines

My bed is like a little boat; Nurse helps me in when I embark; She girds me in my sailor's coat And starts me in the dark.

At night, I go on board and say Good night to all my friends on shore; I shut my eyes and sail away And see and hear no more.

And sometimes things to bed I take, As prudent sailors have to do; Perhaps a slice of wedding-cake, Perhaps a toy or two.

All night across the dark we steer: But when the day returns at last Safe in my room, beside the pier, I find my vessel fast.

What this Textopian page supports

My Bed is a Boat is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy, Adventure, Nostalgia
Length: 156 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The poem is written for children, featuring imaginative themes and simple language that appeal to a young audience.
Poetry — The work is a poem, utilizing rhythm and rhyme to convey its themes and emotions.
Fantasy — The poem presents a fantastical scenario where a bed is likened to a boat, exploring imaginative adventures.
Adventure — The narrative involves a journey and exploration, characteristic of adventure themes.