Roswell Martin Field by Eugene Field

This poem pays tribute to Roswell Martin Field, the brother of Eugene Field, and was published posthumously in January 1896—only a few months after Eugene passed away in November 1895. It acts as a dedication for a small collection of poems that honor the memory of a cherished sibling. The title and its position at the beginning of the book indicate that this entire collection was presented as a heartfelt gift in loving remembrance.

Tender and mournful. Even in its shortness, the piece holds a deep sense of grief and devotion. There's no embellishment — just a name, a place, and a date — which adds to its sincerity.

Eugene Field (1850–1895) was a journalist and poet in Chicago, celebrated for his children's poetry, including the well-loved "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod." His brother, Roswell Martin Field, was also a writer and journalist, and the two maintained a close relationship throughout their lives. Eugene passed away unexpectedly in November 1895, and this collection—dedicated to Roswell—was published posthumously in January 1896, created from Eugene's papers. The dedication serves as a poignant act of remembrance: Eugene pays tribute to his brother in a book he never got to see published. Roswell Martin Field later carved out his own reputation, notably as the father of Rachel Field and as a prominent figure in Chicago's literary community. This dedication beautifully reflects the strong bond between two brothers who lived their lives immersed in literature.