The Cow by Robert Louis Stevenson

Name: The Cow
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem presents a vivid and affectionate portrayal of a cow, emphasizing its friendly nature and the joy it brings to the speaker. The cow is depicted as a source of nourishment, providing cream that complements the speaker's apple tart, symbolizing the simple pleasures of rural life. The imagery of the cow wandering freely in the open air highlights a sense of freedom and connection to nature. Despite its roaming, the cow remains grounded, suggesting a balance between freedom and belonging. The poem captures the essence of pastoral life, where the cow interacts harmoniously with its environment, grazing on meadow grass and flowers, embodying the tranquility of the countryside. The speaker expresses deep affection for the cow, which serves as a representation of pastoral beauty and the nurturing aspects of nature. The cow's presence is a source of comfort and joy, reinforcing the theme of appreciation for the simple, yet profound, elements of rural existence. The poem evokes a sense of peace and contentment, celebrating the bond between humans and animals in a natural setting.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1881 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Nature Writing · 110 words

First lines

The friendly cow all red and white, I love with all my heart: She gives me cream with all her might, To eat with apple-tart.

She wanders lowing here and there, And yet she cannot stray, All in the pleasant open air, The pleasant light of day.

And blown by all the winds that pass And wet with all the showers, She walks among the meadow grass And eats the meadow flowers.

What this Textopian page supports

The Cow is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1881 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: 1881 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Nature Writing, Pastoral Literature, Lyric Poetry
Length: 110 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The poem's simple language and themes of nature and animals make it suitable for a young audience.
Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetic forms.
Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes the cow's environment and interactions with nature.
Pastoral Literature — The themes of rural life and the idyllic portrayal of the countryside align with pastoral traditions.