Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott was an American novelist and poet of the 19th century. Her poetry often reflects themes of family, nature, and moral earnestness, written in a straightforward, accessible style. Biography ↓More ↓

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Louisa May Alcott

From The Short Story Shadow-Children

Little shadows, little shadows Dancing on the chamber wall, While I sit beside the hearthstone Where the red flames rise and fall. Caps and nightgowns, caps and nightgowns, My three antic shadows wear; And no sound they make in playing, For the six small feet are bare. Dancing gayly, dancing gayly, To and fro all together, Like a family of daisies Blown about in windy weather; Nimble fairies, nimble fairies, Playing pranks in the warm glow, While I sing the nursery ditties Childish phantoms love and know.

Louisa May Alcott

From The Short Story A Christmas Dream, And How It Came True

From our happy home Through the world we roam One week in all the year, Making winter spring With the joy we bring For Christmas-tide is here. Now the eastern star Shines from afar To light the poorest home; Hearts warmer grow, Gifts freely flow, For Christmas-tide has come. Now gay trees rise Before young eyes, Abloom with tempting cheer; Blithe voices sing,

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The Rose Family - Song II

O lesson well and wisely taught Stay with me to the last, That all my life may better be For the trial that is past. O vanity, mislead no more! Sleep, like passions, long! Wake, happy heart, and dance again To the music of my song!

O summer days, flit fast away, And bring the blithesome hour When we three wanderers shall meet Safe in our household flower! O dear mamma, lament no more! Smile on us as we come, Your grief has been our punishment, Your love has led us home.

The Rose Family - Song 1

O flower at my window Why blossom you so fair, With your green and purple cup Upturned to sun and air? 'I bloom, blithesome Bessie, To cheer your childish heart; The world is full of labor, And this shall be my part.' Whirl, busy wheel, faster, Spin, little thread, spin; The sun shines fair without, And we are gay within.

O robin in the tree-top, With sunshine on your breast, Why brood you so patiently Above your hidden nest? 'I brood, blithesome Bessie, And sing my humble song, That the world may have more music From my little ones erelong.' Whirl, busy wheel, faster, Spin, little thread, spin; The sun shines fair without, And we are gay within.

O balmy wind of summer, O silver-singing brook, Why rustle through the branches? Why shimmer in your nook? 'I flutter, blithesome Bessie, Like a blessing far and wide; I scatter bloom and verdue Where'er my footsteps glide.' Whirl, busy wheel, faster, Spin, little thread, spin; The sun shines fair without, And we are gay within.

O brook and breeze and blossom, And robin on the tree, You make a joy of duty, A pride of industry; Teach me to work as blithely, With a willing hand and heart: The world is full of labor, And I must do my part. Whirl, busy wheel, faster, Spin, little thread, spin; The sun shines fair without, And we are gay within.

Biography

An American author born in 1832, Louisa May Alcott is best known for her novel Little Women, but she also produced poetry throughout her career. Her poems frequently draw on personal experience, exploring domestic life, familial bonds, and the natural world. Stylistically, her verse is direct and unadorned, favoring clarity and sincerity over elaborate imagery. Influenced by the Transcendentalist movement—her father, Bronson Alcott, was a prominent figure—her work often conveys a quiet moral seriousness. Although her poetry has been overshadowed by her prose, it remains a notable part of her literary output, reflecting the values and sensibilities of nineteenth-century New England.

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