A Life-Lesson by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the idea that life's lessons are often learned through hardship and struggle. It suggests that difficulties can be transformative, allowing individuals to grow and develop in ways they might not have otherwise. The speaker reflects on how challenges have shaped their perspective and character, leading them to appreciate the value of perseverance and resilience.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1880 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Inspirational · 205 words
Editions
First lines
There! little girl; don't cry!
They have broken your doll, I know; / And your tea-set blue, / And your play-house, too, / Are things of the long ago; / But childish troubles will soon pass by. -- / There! little girl; don't cry!
There! little girl; don't cry!
They have broken your slate, I know; / And the glad, wild ways / Of your school-girl days / Are things of the long ago; / But life and love will soon come by. -- / There! little girl; don't cry!
What this Textopian page supports
A Life-Lesson 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, Children's Literature, Inspirational, Sentimental
- Length: 205 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Life-Lesson 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The content addresses a young girl and her experiences, making it relatable to a younger audience.
- Inspirational — The poem offers comfort and encouragement, focusing on overcoming difficulties and looking forward to the future.
- Sentimental — The themes revolve around nostalgia and the emotional journey from childhood to adulthood.
Tags
Poetry · Life Lessons · Moral Guidance · Wisdom · Self-Improvement · Personal Growth · Philosophy · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Inspirational