The Petition by Virna Sheard (1907)
The work is a lyrical invocation of spring that uses the season as a metaphor for rejuvenation and renewal of the human spirit. It begins with an earnest call for nature’s grace, appealing to the fresh, unfolding leaves, the restoring power of April, and the playful, spirited essence of youth. The text contrasts the lively, unburdened days of early nature—the time when simple pleasures like a robin’s song, blooming daffodils, and the interplay of sun and rain instilled a sense of delight—with the more measured, perhaps burdened pace of present life. At its core, the piece is a petition for reclaiming the enchantment and vigor that the natural world once effortlessly provided. It laments the potential loss of that spontaneous joy and the innate connection to the rhythms of nature, suggesting that modern life, despite its progress, risks sidelining the simple, yet profound, experiences of mirth and wonder. The language—and imagery of dancing feet, whispering winds, and the companionship of the sun—serves to remind readers that the vitality of life is sustained by remaining attuned to nature’s cycles. Ultimately, the work challenges its audience to merge the lessons of the past with the reality of the present. It emphasizes that while time may slow human movement and change societal patterns, the timeless companionship between humanity and the natural world should persist. The appeal is both a nostalgic clamor for remembering the uninhibited joy of youthful days and a hopeful urge to integrate that purity of spirit back into everyday living.
By Virna Sheard · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Lyrical · 218 words
First lines
Sweet April! from out of the hidden place Where you keep your green and gold, We pray thee to bring us a gift of grace, When the little leaves unfold.
Oh! make us glad with the things that are young; Give our hearts the quickened thrills That used to answer each robin that sung In the days of daffodils.
For what is the worth of all that we gain, If we lose the old delight, That came in the time of sun and rain, When the whole round world seemed right?
It was then we gave, as we went along, The faith that to-day we keep; And those April days were for mirth and song, While the nights were made for sleep.
What this Textopian page supports
The Petition is listed on Textopian as a poem by Virna Sheard, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Virna Sheard
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Pastoral, Lyrical, Romantic
- Length: 218 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is composed in verse with structured stanzas and rhythmic language, establishing its identity as poetry.
- Pastoral — The text celebrates nature, springtime, and the beauty of the natural world, which are quintessential elements of pastoral writing.
- Lyrical — The emotional tone, musical phrasing, and evocative imagery contribute to a lyrical quality that emphasizes personal reflection.
- Romantic — The nostalgic focus on youthful delight and the evocative praise of natural beauty align with themes common in Romantic literature.
Tags
social critique · historical context · drama · legal narrative · family dynamics · moral conflict · societal change · justice · cultural commentary · human struggle · power dynamics · emotional intensity