A Rough Sketch by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the idea of a person's life being a rough sketch that can be erased and rewritten at any moment. It suggests that our experiences and choices shape us into who we are today, but also implies that we have the power to change and start anew. The speaker reflects on their own life, acknowledging both the beauty and ugliness they've encountered, and concludes that it's never too late to make a new beginning.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Dark Humor, Character Study · 149 words
First lines
I caught, for a second, across the crowd -- / Just for a second, and barely that -- / A face, pox-pitted and evil-browed, / Hid in the shade of a slouch-rim'd hat -- / With small gray eyes, of a look as keen / As the long, sharp nose that grew between.
And I said: 'Tis a sketch of Nature's own, / Drawn i' the dark o' the moon, I swear, / On a tatter of Fate that the winds have blown / Hither and thither and everywhere -- / With its keen little sinister eyes of gray, / And nose like the beak of a bird of prey!
What this Textopian page supports
A Rough Sketch is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Dark Humor, Character Study, Realism
- Length: 149 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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- Work identity for A Rough Sketch by James Whitcomb Riley
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, characteristic of poetry.
- Dark Humor — The description of the character uses vivid imagery with a tone that could be interpreted as humorously grim.
- Character Study — The focus is on a detailed and vivid description of a single character, emphasizing physical and personality traits.
- Realism — The depiction of the character is grounded in realistic and detailed observation, reflecting a slice of life.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Imagery · Rural Life · Farmer's Wife · Domesticity · Marriage · Love · Country Setting · Seasonal Change