A Ballad from April
The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of youth. It describes a young girl's life in rural Indiana during the late 19th century, where she spends her days playing outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature. As the seasons change and winter approaches, the girl's carefree existence is disrupted by the harsh realities of adulthood. The poem explores themes of loss, longing, and the bittersweet memories that linger long after childhood has passed. The speaker's tone is introspective and wistful, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time when life was simpler and more innocent. The poem's use of imagery and symbolism adds depth and complexity to its exploration of the human experience. Ultimately, the poem presents a poignant portrayal of the transience of youth and the inevitability of change, leaving the reader with a lasting impression of the beauty and fragility of life.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romantic · 444 words
First lines
I am dazed and bewildered with living A life but an intricate skein Of hopes and despairs and thanksgiving Wound up and unravelled again -- Till it seems, whether waking or sleeping, I am wondering ever the while At a something that smiles when I'm weeping, And a something that weeps when I smile.
And I walk through the world as one dreaming Who knows not the night from the day, For I look on the stars that are gleaming, And lo, they have vanished away: And I look on the sweet-summer daylight, And e'en as I gaze it is fled, And, veiled in a cold, misty, gray light, The winter is there in its stead.
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A Ballad from April is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romantic, Melancholic, Philosophical
- Length: 444 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on the speaker's inner experiences.
- Romantic — Themes of love, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary traditions.
- Melancholic — The tone and themes revolve around sadness, loss, and introspection, typical of melancholic literature.
Tags
Poetry · Ballad · Spring · Nature · Love · Romance · Nostalgia · Sentimental · Melancholy · Longing · Yearning · Hope