A Scrawl by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a lost love. It describes a person who has been separated from their loved one by distance or circumstances, and is now left with only memories of them. The speaker expresses a deep sense of melancholy and yearning, but also acknowledges that time will heal the wound.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 135 words
First lines
I want to sing something -- but this is all -- I try and I try, but the rhymes are dull As though they were damp, and the echoes fall Limp and unlovable.
Words will not say what I yearn to say -- They will not walk as I want them to, But they stumble and fall in the path of the way Of my telling my love for you.
Simply take what the scrawl is worth -- Knowing I love you as sun the sod On the ripening side of the great round earth That swings in the smile of God.
What this Textopian page supports
A Scrawl 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, Romance, Lyric
- Length: 135 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Scrawl by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around expressing love and affection, which is a hallmark of the romance genre.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and feelings, typical of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Children's Verse · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Rural Life · Folk Culture · Whimsy · Imagination · Fantasy