(1850-1894 / Edinburgh / Scotland)

poet Robert Louis Stevenson
#49 on top 500 poets
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What do you think this poem is about?

A Good Boy

I woke before the morning, I was happy all the day,
I never said an ugly word, but smiled and stuck to play.

And now at last the sun is going down behind the wood,
And I am very happy, for I know that I've been good.

My bed is waiting cool and fresh, with linen smooth and fair,
And I must be off to sleepsin-by, and not forget my prayer.

I know that, till to-morrow I shall see the sun arise,
No ugly dream shall fright my mind, no ugly sight my eyes.

But slumber hold me tightly till I waken in the dawn,
And hear the thrushes singing in the lilacs round the lawn.

Submitted: Friday, January 03, 2003


Read poems about / on: happy, sun, dream, smile

Comments about this poem (A Good Boy by Robert Louis Stevenson )

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  • Jibril Hunt (3/27/2013 5:56:00 AM)

    i mean its ok its very unatrual but hes also unique in character

    2 person liked.
    		2 person did not like.
  • Jacob Bearer (8/14/2012 2:22:00 PM)

    Yeah, there's something unnatural about this poem! I would think a good boy would have a sling shot in his hand and a neighbor's broken window pane, or a can of cooked beans steaming next to what was once grandpa's tool shed - now there's a good boy. This just isn't a poem I think I'll want to revisit; unless someone can give me a coupe reasons to do so...thoughts?

    7 person liked.
    		7 person did not like.
  • Kevin Straw (8/14/2012 12:10:00 PM)

    Everyone has missed the unnaturalness of this little boy's life. Stephenson's nurse was a strict Calvinist and her religion and folk beliefs were an early source of nightmares for the boy. It is as though he has to keep a grip on himself to earn a good night. The mention of the ugly dreams indicates that he was not a stranger to them. This is not the poem of a happy boy.

    8 person liked.
    		4 person did not like.
  • Kevin Straw (8/14/2012 1:46:00 AM)

    till tomorrow is wrong. He is saying that he will see the sun arise all night!

    8 person liked.
    		3 person did not like.
  • Bella Stylos (8/14/2011 7:24:00 AM)

    Awesome indeed.it strikes on innocence and living without worries unlike Adults.very awesome indeed

    12 person liked.
    		20 person did not like.
  • Ramesh T A (8/14/2010 2:05:00 AM)

    A good boy's daily routine is well said in a simple way by the poet!

    14 person liked.
    		20 person did not like.
  • Nick K (4/25/2010 10:21:00 AM)

    Just chanced upon this poem on here, and it almost made me cry. I chose this poem as an 8 or 9 year old at school to try to memorise and recite in a school assembly or something.

    It just reminds me of childhood innocence, and I remember really believing in this poem, and doing my best to live like this. This was back when I believed in the Catholic Church, of course. Oh, how I have changed since then, but I must always try and remember this poem, and keep trying to live this way.

    Beautiful, simple words, I love the last couplet, and I think I will read this to my kids each night before they go to sleep, as we have a lilac tree outside their bedroom window.

    Thank you, Mr Stevenson.

    13 person liked.
    		23 person did not like.
  • William Ledger (8/14/2009 4:36:00 PM)

    awsum poem i like it very much

    19 person liked.
    		18 person did not like.
  • Ravi A (8/14/2009 11:29:00 AM)

    A very nice poem that reminds us to be good like him. Great poets are like this. They have a positive idea for the world. The rhyme scheme is also good. R L Stevenson has written a number of poems for children of all generation. 'Garden of verses' is a compilation of such poems. If these poems are still remembered, it means that they contain serene reflection of life. Let us breathe that fresh air.

    22 person liked.
    		16 person did not like.
  • Pushkar Bisht (8/14/2009 3:31:00 AM)

    Oh he is my favourite One! ! What a lovely poem that keeps me fresh and cool like him. A great poet stevenson.! ! ! ! Lots of love to Stevenson.

    13 person liked.
    		22 person did not like.
Read all 14 comments »

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