Sailing into a Dream: My Encounters with the Poem, ‘Wynken, Blynken, and Nod’

With leaden eyes, and thoughts slowly ebbing towards the future, the children’s poem, “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod” by Eugene Field (1850-1895) always gently rocked my dreary mind at bedtime, like a “wee one’s trundle-bed.”

In the sixth grade, when I thought I was too old to be put to bed with a book by Daddy, I still recognized “Wynken” as my favorite poem at that age. I even earned praise from one of my greatest teachers for an illustration I drew, inspired by its verse. Its universal appeal could lead any child to sleepville.

It still eases my mind, and sends my imagination soaring as if on a cool breeze. Imagine a giant moonglow guiding the three fishermen catching the stars in “nets of silver and gold.” When the reveal came, towards the end of the poem, it was usually too late; I was already asleep. The structure of the poem lends itself to dozing off, definitely in a good way. When Field ends each stanza with “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod,” it sets the mind adrift like the wooden shoe sailing on the “sea.”

“Wynken” will always remain for me a stable, calming, and still powerful piece of literature. This language we use can inspire us, anger us, heal us, or even lull us off to slumber. The poem illustrates a curious tale of a child’s search for sleep. The star fishermen are the crux of the world of wonder. Just to contemplate the beauty of a deep blue sky and glowing stars and a giant talking moon might lead some people to think I was on a different kind of “trip.” The scene, yet, expertly depicts the children floating through the air on their trusty wooden shoe-boat.

The impression conveyed by the title, and throughout the poem, is of a child slowly drifting off to dreamland. I was one such child. My dad would read this piece from a collection of children’s poetry, and when I got old enough, I read it to guide myself to that ideal rest.

“Wynken” did more than just take me to dreamland. It broadened my mind, and made me think about metaphors and picturesque imagery. I could see the three fishermen with their nets tossed into the starry night. I could hear the moon communicate with the youngsters on their fantastic voyage.

Even today when all is not quite right in my world, or if I can’t seem to get the sleep rhythm, I look towards “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod” as a go-to substitute for Ambien.

As an adult, I can hear the words register with my soul. Mr. Field’s wondrous control of the English language, and simple painterly poetry ironically awakened in me my love of the literary form. I thank my dad for introducing this majestic poem into my life. If it weren’t for his guidance, and teaching me to read and write at age four, I might not have become the man I am today.

I would recommend “Wynken” to any parent looking for a way to bond with their sleepy child; something they could look forward to rather than dread. It makes a lovely substitute for white noise and a night-light. Remembering the poem’s line “now shut your eyes” brings a smile to my face even now, and calls to mind a simpler time in my life. I cherish the memories of my dad tucking me in and the soothing lines of this poem, still as relevant and delightful today as when they were written in the 19th century. I look forward to sharing this lovely poem with my own children someday.