To Dick, on his Sixth Birthday
The poem reflects on the contrast between the wisdom of age and the innocence of childhood. The speaker, who is older and experienced, observes the purity and wonder in the eyes of a young child celebrating his sixth birthday. The speaker conveys a deep understanding of life's complexities, such as the struggles of joy and the burdens of existence, which the child has yet to encounter. The narrative shifts to a mystical event that occurred six years prior, when an angel descended from the moon, plucking stars to create a crown. This celestial imagery symbolizes the beauty and magic of life. The falling stars, described as arrows of light, are interpreted as gifts sent to the child, signifying his special place in the universe. The poem encapsulates themes of innocence, the passage of time, and the connection between the divine and the earthly. It celebrates the child's existence as a miraculous event, suggesting that the purity of youth holds a unique understanding of joy and wonder that often eludes adults. The speaker's reflections serve as a reminder of the beauty found in simplicity and the profound impact of a child's presence.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 223 words
First lines
Tho' I am very old and wise, And you are neither wise nor old, When I look far into your eyes, I know things I was never told: I know how flame must strain and fret Prisoned in a mortal net; How joy with over-eager wings, Bruises the small heart where he sings; How too much life, like too much gold, Is sometimes very hard to hold. .
All that is talking -- I know This much is true, six years ago An angel living near the moon Walked thru the sky and sang a tune Plucking stars to make his crown -- And suddenly two stars fell down, Two falling arrows made of light.
What this Textopian page supports
To Dick, on his Sixth Birthday is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sara Teasdale
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Inspirational, Celebratory
- Length: 223 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for To Dick, on his Sixth Birthday by Sara Teasdale
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Similar titles
- Answer To A Childs Question by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- To Rose by Sara Teasdale
- The Little Land by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Happy Thought by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Escape At Bedtime by Robert Louis Stevenson
- My Treasures by Robert Louis Stevenson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that employs lyrical language and explores themes of childhood and wonder.
- Children's Literature — The poem is written for a child, celebrating a birthday and conveying themes relevant to young readers.
- Fantasy — The poem includes fantastical elements, such as an angel and falling stars, which evoke a sense of magic.
- Inspirational — The poem conveys uplifting messages about life, joy, and the beauty of childhood.
Tags
birthday · childhood · innocence · wisdom · imagination · joy · life · love · angels · stars · nature · poetry