A Cup of Tea by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem describes a moment of quiet contemplation and appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. A person sits alone with a cup of tea, savoring its warmth and flavor. The focus is on the sensory experience of drinking the tea, rather than any external events or emotions. The tone is calm and introspective, inviting the reader to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Lifestyle · 285 words
First lines
I have sipped, with drooping lashes, Dreamy draughts of Verzenay; I have flourished brandy-smashes In the wildest sort of way; I have joked with "Tom and Jerry"
Till wee hours ayont the twal' -- But I've found my tea the very Safest tipple of them all!
'Tis a mystical potation That exceeds in warmth of glow And divine exhilaration All the drugs of long ago -- All of old magicians' potions -- Of Medea's filtered spells -- Or of fabled isles and oceans Where the Lotos-eater dwells!
What this Textopian page supports
A Cup of Tea is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Lifestyle, Satire
- Length: 285 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Cup of Tea by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Cup of Tea?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Brudder Sims by James Whitcomb Riley
- Our Old Friend Neverfail by James Whitcomb Riley
- Waitin Fer The Cat To Die by James Whitcomb Riley
- Down Around The River by James Whitcomb Riley
- At Utter Loaf by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Dost O Blues Ragweed And Fennel by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses lighthearted and whimsical language to convey a humorous perspective on the preference for tea over stronger drinks.
- Lifestyle — The poem reflects on personal experiences and preferences in social settings, focusing on the choice of beverage.
- Satire — There is a subtle satirical tone in the comparison of tea to more potent drinks, highlighting societal habits.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Simple Language · Rural Setting · Tea Drinking · Social Commentary · Humor · Satire · Folk Culture · Regionalism