Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Bed in Summer" is a short and relatable poem by Robert Louis Stevenson that captures the frustration of a child who has to go to bed early during the summer months when the days are longer.

The poem contrasts the child's experience of getting up at night during winter, where they dress by the light of a yellow candle. However, in the summertime, the situation is reversed. The child has to go to bed during the day when it is still bright outside.

The child expresses their disappointment at having to go to bed and miss out on the enjoyable activities that the summer daylight offers. They mention seeing the birds happily hopping on the trees and hearing the footsteps of adults passing by in the street. The child finds it unfair that they have to go to bed when the sky is clear and blue, and they long to join in the outdoor playtime.

The poem captures the universal sentiment of children wanting to make the most of the long summer days and feeling a sense of injustice when bedtime interferes with their desire to play and enjoy the outdoors.

"Bed in Summer" evokes a nostalgic and relatable feeling, reminding readers of the longing and frustration experienced during childhood summers when bedtime imposed limits on their enjoyment.

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