A Song of Long Ago by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. It describes a long-forgotten love that has been lost to the ages, with the speaker reminiscing about the beauty and joy it once brought. The poem's tone is melancholic and introspective, with a focus on the transience of human experience.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Pastoral · 315 words
First lines
A song of Long Ago: / Sing it lightly -- sing it low -- / Sing it softly -- like the lisping of the lips we / used to know / When our baby-laughter spilled / From the glad hearts ever filled / With music blithe as robin ever trilled!
Let the fragrant summer breeze, / And the leaves of locust-trees, / And the apple-buds and blossoms, and the / wings of honey-bees, / All palpitate with glee, / Till the happy harmony / Brings back each childish joy to you and me.
What this Textopian page supports
A Song of Long Ago 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, Nostalgia, Pastoral, Lyric, Children's Literature
- Length: 315 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Song of Long Ago by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- An Old Friend by James Whitcomb Riley
- On Parting by Lord Byron
- I Would I Were A Careless Child by Lord Byron
- The Return by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Cherish You Then The Hope I Shall Forget by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Has She Forgotten by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and sound, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about the past and evoking memories of childhood.
- Pastoral — The imagery and setting are rooted in nature, with references to orchards, bees, and rural life.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional expression in the poem aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Nostalgia · Sentimental · Romanticism · Longing · Melancholy · Memory · Love · Loss · Yearning · Wistfulness · Bittersweet