Eugene Field was an American writer, best remembered for his children’s poetry. Today, he is often referred to as the “poet of childhood.” He also authored light-hearted and humorous articles in a gossip style and worked as editor of multiple publications. His first pieces of poetry were published in 1879.
‘Little Boy Blue’ by Eugene Field is a beautiful, heartbreaking poem that describes the aftermath of a child’s death. It focuses on the child’s toys and how, despite many years having gone by, they’re still waiting for him.
The little toy dog is covered with dust,
But sturdy and staunch he stands;
The little toy soldier is red with rust,
And his musket molds in his hands.
‘Jest ‘Fore Christmas’ is a humorous, five-stanza poem that’s written from the perspective of a young boy looking forward to Christmas.
Father calls me William, sister calls me Will,
Mother calls me Willie, but the fellers call me Bill!
Mighty glad I ain't a girl - ruther be a boy,
Without them sashes, curls, an' things that's worn by Fauntleroy!
‘The Duel,’ one of the best-known poems of Eugene Field, tells the oddly amusing tale of the gingham dog and the calico cat.
‘The Sugar-Plum Tree’ by Eugene Field is an image-rich poem that describes a colorful and entertaining dream world. It depicts a specific tree and how children can get sweets from its branches.
‘Wynken, Blynken, and Nod’ is a popular children’s song by Eugene Field, best known as the “poet of childhood.” This lullaby features three little kids who sailed for the stars on a wooden shoe as their boat.
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