Author: Madison Julius Cawein

---

I.

    It's a long, long way to the country, where
    I wade and splash in the creek;
    And a long, long way to the Ferncreek Fair,
    The Fair where I was last week:
    It's a long, long way to the end of the world,
    Where the sun blows out his beams;
    But the way is short, in your warm bed curled,
    To the old, old Land of Dreams.

II.

    It's a long, long way to go up stairs
    When you're down in the yard below;
    And a long, long way where no boy cares
    To ever want to go:
    It's a long, long way to the world's far end,
    Where the stars sit down with God;
    But the way is short, so I comprehend,
    To the wonderful Land of Nod.

III.

    It's a long, long way when you have to be dressed,
    When you'd very much rather play;
    And a long, long way, let it be confessed,
    To leave where you'd rather stay:
    It's a long, long way to the end of the Earth,
    Where the night rolls dark and deep;
    But the way is short, in your cozy berth,
    To the far, far Land of Sleep.

IV.

    It's a short, short way when you go to school,
    But a long, long way back home;
    And my teacher says you can find a fool
    No matter where you roam:
    It's a long, long way, so my father says,
    Till some folks see a jest;
    But the longest way of all the ways
    Is the way to the Land of Rest.

---

Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem draws upon the timeless theme of childhood, journeying through the world of imagination, longing, and playful resistance. The poet masterly juxtaposes the long and short ways in a child's life, symbolizing the child's perception of time and space. The long way represents tasks and places that are less desirable or difficult to reach, such as going to school, getting dressed, or reaching the world's end. In contrast, the short way represents the easily attainable or much-desired, like the lands of dreams, nod, and sleep, which are metaphors for the child's escapes into the world of fantasy and rest.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent 'long, long way' and 'short, short way', helps create a rhythmic lullaby-like tone, bringing a sense of calmness and comfort. This structure provides a sense of balance, further emphasizing the child's imaginative journey. The poet uses concrete and abstract imagery, grounding readers in the familiar (like splashing in the creek or going to school) while also inviting them into the fantastic, such as the sun blowing out its beams or the stars sitting down with God. This blend of the mundane with the magical encapsulates a child's view of the world, elevating the everyday to the realm of adventure and wonder. The final stanza cleverly subverts the pattern, describing the way to the Land of Rest as the longest, perhaps hinting at the lifelong journey we all embark on.