In winter I get up at night
And dress by yellow candle-light.
In summer quite the other way,
I have to go to bed by day.
I have to go to bed and see
The birds still hopping on the tree,
Or hear the grown-up people's feet
Still going past me in the street.
And does it not seem hard to you,
When all the sky is clear and blue,
And I should like so much to play,
To have to go to bed by day?
I love the part about hearing the grown-ups feet walking by outside. I can just picture that little kid. It makes me remember the feel of my summer pajamas and the fan in the window and the subway in the distance.
It's heart-rending when read at the memorial service of a friend who died in her early 60s.
FOUR: This poem captures the universal experience of children grappling with bedtime routines influenced by the changing seasons. It reminds us of the simple joys of childhood and the desire to stay awake and enjoy the outdoors, even when bedtime beckons.
THREE: In contrast, during summer, the speaker must go to bed while it's daytime. The sun is still shining, and the world outside is vibrant. The poem conveys the child's frustration at having to sleep when the sky is clear and blue, and they long to play.
TWO: Winter: During winter nights, the speaker gets up in the dark, illuminated only by a yellow candlelight. This imagery evokes coziness and a sense of quiet solitude.
ONE: The poet reflects on the contrasting experiences of bedtime during winter and summer. It captures the innocent perspective of a child, highlighting the differences in daylight hours and how they affect bedtime routines.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
I remembered this poem from childhood and wanted to read it to my grandchildren. Thank you so much for making it available to me on the internet.