A Child's First Impression Of A Star

Author: Nathaniel Parker Willis

    She had been told that God made all the stars
    That twinkled up in heaven, and now she stood
    Watching the coming of the twilight on,
    As if it were a new and perfect world,
    And this were its first eve. How beautiful
    Must be the work of nature to a child
    In its first fresh impression! Laura stood
    By the low window, with the silken lash
    Of her soft eye upraised, and her sweet mouth
    Half parted with the new and strange delight
    Of beauty that she could not comprehend,
    And had not seen before. The purple folds
    Of the low sunset clouds, and the blue sky
    That look'd so still and delicate above,
    Fill'd her young heart with gladness, and the eve
    Stole on with its deep shadows, and she still
    Stood looking at the west with that half smile,
    As if a pleasant thought were at her heart.
    Presently, in the edge of the last tint
    Of sunset, where the blue was melted in
    To the faint golden mellowness, a star
    Stood suddenly. A laugh of wild delight
    Burst from her lips, and putting up her hands,
    Her simple thought broke forth expressively - 
    "Father! dear Father! God has made a star!"
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem explores themes of innocence, wonder, and the beauty of nature through the eyes of a child. The child, Laura, stands as our protagonist, her innocent viewpoint a catalyst for engaging with the natural world's beauty in a fresh, curious way. The tone of the poem is reflective and tender, imbued with a sense of awe at the unfolding of a twilight evening, which the child perceives as a "new and perfect world."

The poem's structure is linear, following the progression of the evening from twilight to the first appearance of a star. The use of vivid, sensory language paints an evocative portrait of the scene, from the "purple folds of the low sunset clouds" to the "faint golden mellowness" of the twilight sky. The poem's standout literary device is its use of metaphor; the star appearing in the sky is seen as a direct action by God, highlighting the child's innocent and unfiltered understanding of the world.

The moment when the child exclaims, "Father! dear Father! God has made a star!" is a powerful conclusion, encapsulating her joy and amazement. This line also serves to underscore the poem's exploration of the divine in the everyday, a theme that pervades the entire piece. The poem, therefore, not only portrays the innocent wonder of a child but also prompts the reader to reconnect with their own sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world around them.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.