A Child of Spring

Summary


"A Child of Spring" is a short poem that personifies April as a gentle maiden wandering through meadows with arms full of snowdrops, violets, and daffodils. She wakes sleepy brooks, calls soft breezes, and beckons birds from far and wide — and when clouds cross her brow and teardrops fall, sunbeams rush to kiss them away. The poem builds to a warm, joyful reveal of the maiden's identity, celebrating the arrival of spring with quiet wonder and graceful imagery.

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I know a little maiden,
She is very fair and sweet,
As she trips among the grasses
That kiss her dainty feet;
Her arms are full of flowers,
The snow-drops, pure and white,
Timid blue-eyed violets,
And daffodillies bright.

She loves dear Mother Nature,
And wanders by her side;
She beckons to the birdlings
That flock from far and wide.
She wakes the baby brooklets,
Soft breezes hear her call;
She tells the little children
The sweetest tales of all.

Her brow is sometimes clouded,
And she sighs with gentle grace,
Till the sunbeams, daring lovers,
Kiss the teardrops from her face.
Well we know this dainty maiden,
For April is her name;
And we welcome her with gladness,
As the springtime comes again.


Credits

Ellen Robena Field was an American poet known for her lyrical verse celebrating nature, childhood, and the turning of the seasons. "A Child of Spring" reflects her gift for weaving personification and natural imagery into accessible, musical poetry. Her work appeared in popular late 19th-century periodicals and anthologies aimed at both children and general readers.