A Good-Bye by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the inevitability of separation. It describes a farewell between two people who are parting ways, with one person staying behind while the other departs. The speaker expresses a sense of longing and regret for the impending separation, but also acknowledges that it is a necessary part of life. The poem explores themes of love, loss, and memory, using imagery and metaphor to convey the emotions and sensations of the moment. It is characterized by a simple yet effective use of language, with a focus on the musicality of the words and the rhythm of the verse. Ultimately, the poem presents a bittersweet portrayal of the human experience, one that acknowledges the pain of separation while also celebrating the beauty and significance of the relationships we form in life.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 161 words
First lines
"Good-bye, my friend! " / He takes her hand- / The pressures blend: / They understand / But vaguely why, with drooping eye, / Each moans-"Good-bye! -Good-bye!"
"Dear friend, good-bye! " / O she could smile / If she might cry / A little while! - / She says, "I _ought_ to smile-but I- / Forgive me-_There! _-Good-bye!"
"‘Good-bye? ' Ah, no: / I hate," says he, / "These ‘good-byes' so! " / "And _I_," says she, / "Detest them so-why, I should _die_ / Were this a _real_ ‘good-bye! "
What this Textopian page supports
A Good-Bye is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Sentimental
- Length: 161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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- Work identity for A Good-Bye by James Whitcomb Riley
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The themes of parting and emotional connection suggest a romantic context.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and dialogue-driven narrative align with dramatic elements.
- Sentimental — The focus on emotions and the sentimental tone are central to the work.
Tags
Poem · Farewell · Loss · Grief · Sorrow · Longing · Nostalgia · Memory · Regret · Bittersweet · Emotional · Sentimental