The Blue Kerchief
A young maiden captures the attention of a narrator as she walks through a meadow, her beauty likened to nature's allure. The narrator inquires about her destination, learning she is headed to her mother to spin. The conversation reveals the significance of her blue kerchief, a symbol of her identity and adherence to tradition. The narrator expresses a desire for intimacy, but the maiden playfully insists on a token of commitment—a ring—before granting a kiss. She explains the choice of blue, associating it with permanence and loyalty, contrasting it with fleeting affections. The dialogue emphasizes themes of love, tradition, and the interplay between desire and commitment, culminating in the maiden's assertion that true love, like her kerchief, is steadfast and enduring.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Folk · 357 words
First lines
F. W. B. [Music]
1. I saw a sweet maiden trip over the lea, Her eyes were as loadstones attracting of me. Her cheeks were the roses, that Cupid lurks in, With a bonny blue kerchief tied under her chin.
What this Textopian page supports
The Blue Kerchief is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Folk, Lyric, Narrative
- Length: 357 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Blue Kerchief by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Blue Kerchief?
- How does this poem by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love and beauty.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around romantic attraction and courtship.
- Folk — The content reflects traditional themes and styles typical of folk songs, including cultural references.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
love · romance · nature · country · tradition · fashion · youth · innocence · desire · beauty · symbolism · poetry