Old Times, Old Friends, Old Love
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and reminiscence. It describes a person's longing for past times, friends, and love. The speaker yearns for a bygone era, recalling fond memories of youth and lost loves. The tone is melancholic, with a focus on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human connections.
By Eugene Field · First published 1895 · Genre: Nostalgic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism · 346 words
First lines
THERE are no days like the good old days, -- The days when we were youthful! When humankind were pure of mind, And speech and deeds were truthful; Before a love for sordid gold Became man's ruling passion, And before each dame and maid became Slave to the tyrant fashion!
There are no girls like the good old girls, -- Against the world I'd stake 'em! As buxom and smart and clean of heart As the Lord knew how to make 'em! They were rich in spirit and common-sense, And piety all supportin'; They could bake and brew, and had taught school, too, And they made such likely courtin'!
What this Textopian page supports
Old Times, Old Friends, Old Love is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nostalgic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Sentimentalism, Reflective Literature
- Length: 346 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Old Times, Old Friends, Old Love by Eugene Field
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Discussion starters
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- Has She Forgotten by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Nostalgic Poetry — The poem reflects on the past with a sense of longing and appreciation for simpler times, making nostalgia a central theme.
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry, focusing on love and memories.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and idealized past experiences align with the principles of Romantic literature.
- Sentimentalism — The poem evokes strong feelings and emotions related to love and friendship, typical of sentimental literature.
Tags
Nostalgia · Friendship · Love · Romance · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Sentimental · Melancholic · Reflective · Introspective · Emotional