- Good-Night When the bright lamp is carried in, The sunless hours again begin; O’er all without, in field and lane, The haunted night returns again. Now we behold the embers flee About the firelit hearth; and see Our faces painted as we pass, Like pictures, on the window glass. Must we to bed indeed?? Well then, Let us arise and go like men, And face with an undaunted tread The long black passage up to bed. Farewell, O brother, sister, sire! O pleasant party round the fire! The songs you sing, the tales you tell, Till far to-morrow, fare you well! 2. Shadow March All around the house is the jet-black night; It stares through the window-pane; It crawls in the corners, hiding from the light, And it moves with the moving flame. Now my little heart goes a beating like a drum, With the breath of the Bogies in my hair; And all around the candle the crooked shadows come, And go marching along up the stair. The shadow of the balusters, the shadow of the lamp, The shadow of the child that goes to bed— All the wicked shadows coming tramp, tramp, tramp, With the black night overhead. 3. In Port Last, to the chamber where I lie My fearful footsteps patter nigh, And come out from the cold and gloom Into my warm and cheerful room. There, safe arrived, we turn about To keep the coming shadows out, And close the happy door at last On all the perils that we past. Then, when mamma goes by to bed, She shall come in with tip-toe tread, And see me lying warm and fast And in the land of Nod at last.
Introduction to the Story
This collection of poems—“Good-Night,” “Shadow March,” and “In Port”—paints a vivid picture of a child’s journey from the brightness of day into the quiet, mysterious world of night and sleep. These poems capture the emotions children often feel at bedtime: the reluctance to leave the warmth and fun of family, the fears stirred by shadows and darkness, and finally, the comfort and safety found in their own cozy rooms. The imagery and rhythm invite young readers to explore their feelings about night and bedtime in a gentle, imaginative way.
Background and Author Information
These poems come from a tradition of children’s literature that seeks to make the everyday experiences of childhood both magical and meaningful. While the specific author of these poems is not mentioned here, they reflect a style common in late 19th and early 20th-century children’s poetry, where the natural world and the home environment are central themes. Such poems were often written by educators or poets who wanted to soothe children’s fears and encourage positive bedtime routines.
Detailed Interpretation and Meaning
-
“Good-Night” introduces the transition from day to night. The bright lamp symbolizes the last light before darkness, and the “haunted night” suggests the mysterious and sometimes scary feelings children have about the dark. The poem encourages bravery (“like men”) as the child faces the “long black passage” to bed, emphasizing courage and maturity. The farewell to family around the fire highlights the warmth and love that surrounds the child even as they go to sleep.
-
“Shadow March” explores the child’s imagination as shadows come alive and march around the room. The “jet-black night” and “crooked shadows” symbolize the fears that darkness can bring, but the poem also captures the rhythm and movement of these shadows, turning fear into a kind of playful march. This poem helps children recognize and confront their fears in a creative way.
-
“In Port” brings a sense of relief and safety. After the fearful journey through the dark, the child arrives in their “warm and cheerful room,” closing the door on the dangers of the night. The presence of “mamma” tiptoeing in reassures the child, symbolizing love, protection, and peace. The “land of Nod” is a gentle metaphor for sleep, a safe harbor after the day’s adventures.
What Children and Students Can Learn
-
Understanding and Expressing Emotions
These poems help children identify feelings of fear, courage, and comfort related to nighttime and bedtime. They encourage children to talk about their emotions and understand that feeling scared is normal but can be overcome. -
Building Courage and Resilience
The idea of facing the “long black passage” with an “undaunted tread” teaches children bravery and resilience. It shows that even when something seems scary, they can meet it with confidence. -
Imagination and Creativity
The “Shadow March” poem invites children to use their imagination to transform scary shadows into a playful march. This encourages creative thinking and helps children reframe fears in a positive way. -
The Importance of Routine and Safety
The journey to the warm room and the closing of the door symbolize the importance of bedtime routines that provide security and comfort. This can help children feel safe and ready for sleep.
Applying These Lessons in Daily Life
-
At Home: Parents and caregivers can use these poems as part of a calming bedtime routine, reading them aloud to help children transition from the busy day to restful sleep. Discussing the poems can open conversations about fears and feelings.
-
In School: Teachers can use these poems to explore themes of emotions, courage, and imagination. Activities might include drawing the “shadow march,” writing about their own bedtime routines, or role-playing how to face fears bravely.
-
Social Situations: Learning to express fears and feelings clearly helps children communicate better with friends and adults. Understanding that others also have fears can build empathy and support among peers.
Cultivating Positive Traits from the Stories
-
Bravery: Encourage children to face new or scary situations with confidence, just as the poem’s child bravely walks to bed.
-
Imagination: Foster creativity by inviting children to imagine stories or games inspired by shadows or nighttime.
-
Security and Comfort: Help children create their own “safe spaces” at home or school, reinforcing the idea that they can find peace even when things feel uncertain.
-
Emotional Awareness: Teach children to recognize and name their feelings, using poems and stories as tools to understand themselves better.
Conclusion
These poems offer more than just bedtime stories—they provide a gentle guide for children to navigate the complex feelings that come with growing up. By embracing courage, imagination, and the comfort of family, children can learn valuable life skills that help them face challenges, express themselves, and find peace in their daily lives.
