A New Year's Plaint by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. It expresses a sense of regret for lost youth and opportunities, while also acknowledging the inevitability of aging and mortality. The speaker's tone is introspective and wistful, with a hint of resignation.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Reflective · 528 words
First lines
In words like weeds, I'll wrap me o'er, / Like coarsest clothes against the cold; / But that large grief which these enfold / Is given in outline and no more.
TENNYSON.
The bells that lift their yawning throats / And lolling tongues with wrangling cries / Flung up in harsh, discordant notes, / As though in anger, at the skies, -- / Are filled with echoings replete, / With purest tinkles of delight -- / So I would have a something sweet / Ring in the song I sing to-night.
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A New Year's Plaint 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, Social Commentary, Reflective, Literary, Romanticism
- Length: 528 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for A New Year's Plaint by James Whitcomb Riley
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetic form.
- Social Commentary — The themes address social issues such as poverty, inequality, and the superficiality of wealth, providing a critique of societal norms.
- Reflective — The narrative reflects on the contrast between wealth and poverty, and the emotional impact of these disparities, encouraging introspection.
- Literary — The use of rich language, metaphor, and allusion to other literary works aligns with the conventions of literary fiction.
Tags
Poem · New Year's theme · American literature · 19th century poetry · Free verse · Nature imagery · Seasonal theme · Reflections on time · Mortality · Hope · Renewal · Symbolism