The Rock-A-

By Eugene Field

Narrative Poem
    The Rock-a-By Lady from Hushaby street     Comes stealing; comes creeping;     The poppies they hang from her head to her feet,     And each hath a dream that is tiny and fleet -     She bringeth her poppies to you, my sweet,     When she findeth you sleeping!     There is one little dream of a beautiful drum -     "Rub-a-dub!" it goeth;     There is one little dream of a big sugar-plum,     And lo! thick and fast the other dreams come     Of popguns that bang, and tin tops that hum,     And a trumpet that bloweth!     And dollies peep out of those wee little dreams     With laughter and singing;     And boats go a-floating on silvery streams,     And the stars peek-a-boo with their own misty gleams,     And up, up, and up, where the Mother Moon beams,     The fairies go winging!     Would you dream all these dreams that are tiny and fleet?     They'll come to you sleeping;     So shut the two eyes that are weary, my sweet,     For the Rock-a-By Lady from Hushaby street,     With poppies that hang from her head to her feet,     Comes stealing; comes creeping.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, with its whimsical use of imagery and rhythm, transports its readers to a realm of dreams and childhood innocence. The recurring motif of the 'Rock-a-By Lady from Hushaby street' evokes a feeling of comfort and familiarity, creating an atmosphere of security and peace. The poppies she carries, a symbol of dreams and sleep, further enhance this soothing aura.

The imagery used in the poem is rich in its sensory appeal, touching upon sounds ("Rub-a-dub!", "popguns that bang", "trumpet that bloweth"), tastes ("a big sugar-plum"), and visuals ("boats go a-floating on silvery streams", "the stars peek-a-boo"). The poem's structure, with its rhythmic quality and the repetition of certain lines, lends a lullaby-like quality, reinforcing the theme of sleep and dreams. The tone is gentle and comforting, inviting the reader to surrender to the enchantment of dreams, guided by the Rock-a-By Lady's tender care. The whimsy and magic in the poem, portrayed through elements like fairies, might be interpreted as an exploration of the limitless realm of a child’s imagination. The poem, therefore, is not just an invitation to sleep, but to dream beautifully — a testament to the comforting and inspiring power of dreams.

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.