The Swing by Robert Louis Stevenson

Name: The Swing
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem captures the joy and exhilaration of swinging, portraying it as a delightful childhood experience. The speaker expresses a deep affection for the act of swinging, emphasizing the freedom and thrill it brings. As the swing rises high into the air, the child feels a sense of liberation, able to see the world from a new perspective. The imagery evokes a vibrant landscape, with rivers, trees, and animals visible from above, highlighting the beauty of nature. The contrast between the heights of the swing and the grounded garden below illustrates the duality of childhood—both the desire for adventure and the comfort of home. The repetitive structure of the verses reinforces the cyclical motion of swinging, mirroring the ups and downs of life. The poem encapsulates a moment of pure joy, where the simple act of swinging becomes a metaphor for freedom, exploration, and the innocent pleasures of youth. The overall tone is one of exuberance, celebrating the carefree spirit of childhood and the enchanting experience of soaring through the air.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1884 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry · 119 words

First lines

How do you like to go up in a swing, Up in the air so blue? Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall, Till I can see so wide, Rivers and trees and cattle and all Over the countryside --

Till I look down on the garden green, Down on the roof so brown -- Up in the air I go flying again, Up in the air and down!

What this Textopian page supports

The Swing is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Nostalgic Literature, Children's Literature
Length: 119 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Swing by Robert Louis Stevenson
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this poem by Robert Louis Stevenson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Children's Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Children's Poetry — The poem is written for children, featuring simple language and themes of playfulness and joy.
Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal feelings and emotions related to the experience of swinging.
Nature Poetry — The poem describes the natural surroundings and the beauty of the countryside from a child's perspective.
Nostalgic Literature — The themes evoke a sense of nostalgia for childhood experiences and innocence.