A Song of Singing
The poem explores the theme of love and longing through a musical metaphor. A song of singing is compared to a lover's voice, with its sweet melody and tender lyrics. The speaker describes how the song brings joy and comfort, but also acknowledges the pain of separation and loss that can accompany it.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Lyric · 149 words
First lines
Sing! gangling lad, along the brink Of wild brook-ways of shoal and deep, Where killdees dip, and cattle drink, And glinting little minnows leap!
Sing! slimpsy lass who trips above And sets the foot-log quivering!
Sing! bittern, bumble-bee, and dove -- Sing! Sing! Sing!
Sing as you will, O singers all Who sing because you _want_ to sing!
What this Textopian page supports
A Song of Singing 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, Pastoral, Lyric
- Length: 149 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Song of Singing 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 rhythm and sound, characteristic of poetry.
- Pastoral — The themes revolve around nature, rural life, and the beauty of the natural world, typical of pastoral literature.
- Lyric — The expression of personal emotions and feelings through song and the celebration of singing aligns with the lyric genre.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Spirituality · Hope · Faith · Love · Beauty · Music · Song