The River of Dreams (Lyrics of Labour and Romanc
This collection of poetry explores the human experience through themes of love, labor, and the passage of time. The poems often use nature imagery to convey emotions and ideas, with a focus on the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 1,070 words
First lines
The river of dreams runs quietly down From its hidden home in the forest of sleep, With a measureless motion calm and deep; And my boat slips out on the current brown, In a tranquil bay where the trees incline Far over the waves, and creepers twine Far over the boughs, as if to steep Their drowsy bloom in the tide that goes By a secret way that no man knows, Under the branches bending, Under the shadows blending, And the body rests, and the passive soul Is drifted along to an unseen goal, While the river of dreams runs down.
What this Textopian page supports
The River of Dreams (Lyrics of Labour and Romance) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Fantasy, Philosophical
- Length: 1,070 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Romanticism — The text emphasizes emotion, nature, and the transcendental, which are key elements of Romantic literature.
- Symbolism — The river serves as a central symbol representing the journey of life and dreams, a hallmark of Symbolist literature.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements such as mystical gardens and enchanted cities, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Labor · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature Imagery · River as Symbol · Dreams and Reality · Class Struggle