A Brave Refrain
The poem explores the idea of a brave refrain that echoes through time, symbolizing courage and resilience in the face of adversity. It describes how this refrain can be heard in the voices of those who have come before us, inspiring us to stand strong against challenges. The speaker reflects on the power of language to evoke emotions and memories, highlighting the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1880 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Seasonal · 328 words
First lines
When snow is here, and the trees look weird, And the knuckled twigs are gloved with frost; When the breath congeals in the drover's beard, And the old pathway to the barn is lost; When the rooster's crow is sad to hear, And the stamp of the stabled horse is vain, And the tone of the cow-bell grieves the ear -- O then is the time for a brave refrain!
What this Textopian page supports
A Brave Refrain is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Pastoral, Seasonal, Nostalgic
- Length: 328 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Pastoral — The themes and imagery focus on rural life and nature, typical of pastoral literature.
- Seasonal — The poem centers around winter imagery and the effects of the season on daily life.
- Nostalgic — The tone and content evoke a sense of longing for simpler, traditional times.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Children's Verse · Nostalgia · Sentimental · Whimsy · Humor · Nature Imagery · Seasonal · Autumn · Harvest