To Alison Cunningham

Name: To Alison Cunningham
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The work is a heartfelt tribute to a maternal figure, expressing deep gratitude and affection. It reflects on the sacrifices and nurturing provided by this figure, who is portrayed as both a mother and a guiding presence. The speaker acknowledges the long nights spent in worry, the comfort offered during times of distress, and the joy brought through storytelling. The poem emphasizes the bond between the speaker and the maternal figure, highlighting her role in shaping his early experiences and emotional well-being. The speaker recalls both sad and happy moments, underscoring the unwavering support received throughout his childhood. The maternal figure is depicted as an angelic presence, embodying love, care, and resilience. In the closing lines, the speaker expresses a wish that all children may experience similar nurturing and kindness, suggesting a universal longing for maternal love. The work serves as a celebration of motherhood and the profound impact of a caregiver's love on a child's life, encapsulating themes of gratitude, memory, and the enduring influence of early relationships.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Biography, Children's Literature · 212 words

First lines

FROM HER BOY

_For the long nights you lay awake_ _And watched for my unworthy sake: _ _For your most comfortable hand_ _That led me through the uneven land: _ _For all the story-books you read: _ _For all the pains you comforted: _

_For all you pitied, all you bore,_ _In sad and happy days of yore: -- _ _My second Mother, my first Wife,_ _The angel of my infant life -- _ _From the sick child, now well and old,_ _Take, nurse, the little book you hold! _

_And grant it, Heaven, that all who read_ _May find as dear a nurse at need,_ _And every child who lists my rhyme,_ _In the bright, fireside, nursery clime,_ _May hear it in as kind a voice_ _As made my childish days rejoice! _

What this Textopian page supports

To Alison Cunningham 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, Biography, Children's Literature, Romanticism, Literary Fiction
Length: 212 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Confusing

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 a poem dedicated to Alison Cunningham, expressing deep emotional themes and personal reflections.
Biography — The poem serves as a tribute to a significant figure in Stevenson's life, highlighting personal experiences and relationships.
Children's Literature — The themes of childhood, care, and comfort resonate with children's literature, appealing to young readers and their experiences.
Romanticism — The emotional depth and focus on personal relationships align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.