--TO A BABY BOY by Eugene Field: Summary, Meaning & Analysis
A speaker sends a bouquet to a baby, playfully asking the child to be their valentine.
The poem
Who I am I shall not say, But I send you this bouquet With this query, baby mine: "Will you be my valentine?" See these roses blushing blue, Very like your eyes of hue; While these violets are the red Of your cheeks. It can be said Ne'er before was babe like you. And I think it is quite true No one e'er before to-day Sent so wondrous a bouquet As these posies aforesaid-- Roses blue and violets red! Sweet, repay me sweets for sweets-- 'Tis your lover who entreats! Smile upon me, baby mine-- Be my little valentine!
A speaker sends a bouquet to a baby, playfully asking the child to be their valentine. The entire poem is a lighthearted joke: the speaker intentionally mixes up the flower colors (blue roses, red violets) to reflect the delightful, upside-down world of a baby. It’s a charming, teasing love letter from an adult utterly captivated by a little one.
Line-by-line
Who I am I shall not say, / But I send you this bouquet
See these roses blushing blue, / Very like your eyes of hue;
And I think it is quite true / No one e'er before to-day
Sweet, repay me sweets for sweets-- / 'Tis your lover who entreats!
Tone & mood
Playful and warm throughout, with a light comic touch. Field writes like an infatuated adult fully aware of the silliness of the concept but embraces it wholeheartedly. There's no irony or sharpness—just pure joy in celebrating a baby's existence, presented in the style of romantic poetry.
Symbols & metaphors
- Blue roses and red violets — The poem's central symbol is the intentional twist on the classic rhyme "roses are red, violets are blue." This shift indicates that the baby's world has its own unique logic, and that love for a child is as genuine and meaningful as romantic love, even if it doesn't adhere to traditional norms.
- The bouquet — Flowers sent as a valentine are a classic symbol of romantic love. In this case, the bouquet represents the affection an adult has for a child — sincere and heartfelt, yet conveyed through playful exaggeration instead of serious courtship.
- The smile — The speaker seeks just a smile in exchange for all this devotion. A baby's smile is portrayed as the greatest reward, implying that a child's pure, instinctive joy holds more worth than any official display of affection.
Historical context
Eugene Field was an American journalist and poet active in the latter half of the 19th century, widely recognized today for his children's poems like *Wynken, Blynken, and Nod* and *Little Boy Blue*. He was a prolific writer for newspapers, particularly the Chicago Morning News, and his light verse about childhood and family life resonated with everyday readers. This poem fits perfectly within that tradition: Field takes the familiar Valentine's Day verse form and adapts it to convey domestic tenderness. The Victorian era fostered a sentimental culture around childhood, viewing babies and small children as symbols of innocence and joy. Field's humor here is gentle rather than mocking — he’s not ridiculing romantic poetry but instead borrowing its tools to express something that lacked its own poetic vocabulary: the specific, somewhat absurd depth of feeling that adults have for babies.
FAQ
It's a valentine meant for a baby. The speaker acts like a secret admirer sending flowers, but it's all in good fun — playfully using romantic language to express the genuine, non-romantic love an adult has for a little one.
That's the joke at the core of the poem. The familiar rhyme starts with 'roses are red, violets are blue,' but Field turns it upside down to say 'roses blushing blue' and 'violets are the red.' It playfully reflects the upside-down logic of a baby's perspective and lightly pokes fun at the clichés of Valentine poetry by making them even more ridiculous.
The speaker intentionally hides their identity ('Who I am I shall not say'), adding to the allure of a secret admirer. In reality, Field crafted this poem from the viewpoint of someone affectionate — probably a parent or a close family friend — but the anonymity enhances the playful charm.
Not in any real sense. It takes on the *form* of a romantic valentine — secret admirer, flowers, a plea for affection — but directs it towards a baby. The result is more comic and tender than truly romantic. The love being conveyed is parental or familial, not erotic.
'Sweet' serves a dual purpose in this context. The speaker affectionately refers to the baby as 'sweet,' implying that the baby is adorable and cherished, while also requesting 'sweets' in the form of a smile or a small display of affection. Additionally, this term hints at the candy and sugary treats typically enjoyed on Valentine's Day.
The poem uses trochaic tetrameter, featuring lines that start with a strong stress on the first syllable. This creates a lively, sing-song rhythm that's perfect for a poem intended for or about a child. The rhyme scheme is straightforward and steady, enhancing the light, playful vibe.
Field was a 19th-century American newspaper poet famous for his sentimental and humorous poems about children and family life. Works like *Wynken, Blynken, and Nod* and *Little Boy Blue* helped him become one of the most popular poets of his time, even if he isn't as recognized today.
Warm, light, and playfully funny. There’s no sadness or complexity involved — Field is just enjoying a well-known style while showing real affection. It feels like a note you'd find on a valentine card: straightforward, sincere, and designed to bring a smile.