A Song by Uncle Sidney by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the loss of innocence. It describes a young boy's memories of his uncle, who has since passed away, and the songs he used to sing. The speaker recalls the joy and simplicity of childhood, but also acknowledges the inevitability of growing up and leaving those carefree days behind.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 73 words
First lines
O were I not a clod, intent / On being just an earthly thing, / I'd be that rare embodiment / Of Heart and Spirit, Voice and Wing, / With pure, ecstatic, rapture-sent, / Divinely-tender twittering / That Echo swoons to re-present, -- / A bluebird in the Spring.
What this Textopian page supports
A Song by Uncle Sidney is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism, Philosophical
- Length: 73 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
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Similar titles
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- The Old Guitar by James Whitcomb Riley
- Old Aunt Marys by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Serenade Sonnets by James Whitcomb Riley
- Christmas Fancies by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The poem focuses on elements of nature, specifically the imagery of a bluebird and the season of Spring.
- Romanticism — The themes of emotion, nature, and the idealization of the bluebird reflect Romantic literary elements.
- Philosophical — The poem explores existential themes, contemplating the desire to transcend earthly existence.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nostalgia · Family · Love · Music · Song · Uncle · Relative · Childhood · Memory · Sentimental