Answer to a Child's Question

Name: Answer to a Child's Question
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem explores the communication of birds and their expressions of love, particularly in relation to the changing seasons. It begins with a child’s inquiry about what birds convey through their songs. The speaker describes various birds, such as the Sparrow, Dove, Linnet, and Thrush, emphasizing their declarations of love during warmer months. In winter, the birds fall silent, overshadowed by the harshness of the wind, which remains a mystery. As spring arrives, the return of green leaves, blossoms, and warm weather rekindles the birds' joyful songs. The Lark, in particular, embodies exuberance and love, singing continuously about his affection and the reciprocation of that love. The poem contrasts the vibrancy of life and love in spring and summer with the desolation of winter, highlighting the cyclical nature of existence and the deep connection between love and the natural world. The imagery evokes a sense of joy and harmony, suggesting that love is an intrinsic part of life, celebrated through the songs of birds.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1834 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism · 154 words

First lines

Do you ask what the birds say? The Sparrow, the Dove, The Linnet and Thrush say, "I love and I love! " In the winter they're silent -- the wind is so strong; What it says, I don't know, but it sings a loud song. But green leaves, and blossoms, and sunny warm weather, And singing, and loving-all come back together. But the Lark is so brimful of gladness and love, The green fields below him, the blue sky above, That he sings, and he sings; and for ever sings he -- "I love my Love, and my Love loves me! "

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Answer to a Child's Question is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1834 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1834 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric Poetry, Didactic Literature
Length: 154 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Poetry — The work is written in a lyrical style that appeals to children, using simple language and themes of love and nature.
Nature Poetry — The poem explores themes of nature, focusing on birds and the changing seasons, which is a central element of the text.
Romanticism — The poem reflects Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and the beauty of love.
Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, characteristic of lyric poetry.