Unpacking the Charm of Eugene Field's "Pittypat and Tippytoe"

All day long they come and go—

  Pittypat and Tippytoe;
    Footprints up and down the hall,
      Playthings scattered on the floor,
    Finger-marks along the wall,
      Tell-tale smudges on the door—
  By these presents you shall know
  Pittypat and Tippytoe.

  How they riot at their play!
 And a dozen times a day
   In they troop, demanding bread—
     Only buttered bread will do,
   And the butter must be spread
     Inches thick with sugar too!
 And I never can say "No,
 Pittypat and Tippytoe!"

 Sometimes there are griefs to soothe,
 Sometimes ruffled brows to smooth;
   For (I much regret to say)
     Tippytoe and Pittypat
   Sometimes interrupt their play
     With an internecine spat;
 Fie, for shame! to quarrel so—

 Pittypat and Tippytoe!

 Oh the thousand worrying things
 Every day recurrent brings!
   Hands to scrub and hair to brush,
     Search for playthings gone amiss,
   Many a wee complaint to hush,
     Many a little bump to kiss;
 Life seems one vain, fleeting show
 To Pittypat and Tippytoe!

 And when day is at an end,
 There are little duds to mend;
   Little frocks are strangely torn,
     Little shows great holes reveal,
   Little hose, but one day worn,
     Rudely yawn at toe and heel!
 Who but you could work such woe,
 Pittypat and Tippytoe!

 On the floor and down the hall,
 Rudely smutched upon the wall,
   There are proofs in every kind
     Of the havoc they have wrought,
   And upon my heart you'd find
     Just such trade-marks, if you sought;
 Oh, how glad I am 'tis so,
 Pittypat and Tippytoe!

About Pittypat and Tippytoe

Eugène Field, a beloved American poet of the late 19th century, penned many delightful verses, but few capture the spirit of childhood joy as vividly as "Pittypat and Tippytoe."

This playful poem, published in 1896, takes readers on a whirlwind tour of two mischievous siblings and their infectious zest for life.

The Tiny Titans of Delight:

Pittypat and Tippytoe, despite their diminutive names, are titans of energy and chaos. They "riot at their play," transforming everyday objects into props for their imaginative adventures. Sugar bowls become pirate ships, floors morph into battlegrounds, and every day brings a fresh wave of delightful mayhem.

Field's Masterful Touch:

The poem's charm lies in Field's masterful use of language. He captures the innocence and energy of childhood through playful rhymes, vivid imagery, and endearing repetition. Each line bursts with the rhythm of tiny feet and the echo of gleeful laughter, drawing the reader right into the heart of the siblings' playful world.

Beyond the Giggles:

While "Pittypat and Tippytoe" is undeniably fun, it also offers a subtle glimpse into the unconditional love between parents and children. The speaker, presumably a parent, indulges the children's antics with a mix of amusement and exasperation, ultimately finding joy in their boundless energy and innocent mischief.

About Eugène Field:

Born in St. Louis in 1856, Field became a leading figure in American literature. His warm humor, relatable characters, and nostalgic themes resonated deeply with readers, making him a popular choice for children's poetry and prose.

"Pittypat and Tippytoe" is just one example of his enduring legacy, reminding us of the simple joys of childhood and the boundless love that binds families together.