A Summer Afternoon by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem describes a serene summer afternoon scene where children are playing outside while their mother works indoors. The atmosphere is peaceful and idyllic, with the sound of children's laughter and the warmth of the sun. The poem highlights the simplicity and beauty of childhood innocence.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Lyric · 308 words
First lines
A languid atmosphere, a lazy breeze, / With labored respiration, moves the wheat / From distant reaches, till the golden seas / Break in crisp whispers at my feet.
My book, neglected of an idle mind, / Hides for a moment from the eyes of men; / Or lightly opened by a critic wind, / Affrightedly reviews itself again.
What this Textopian page supports
A Summer Afternoon 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, Impressionism
- Length: 308 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Summer Afternoon by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Pastoral — The themes and imagery revolve around nature, tranquility, and rural life, typical of pastoral literature.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on the speaker's inner experience and reflections.
- Impressionism — The work captures fleeting moments and sensory impressions, emphasizing mood and atmosphere over narrative.
Tags
Poetry · Nostalgia · Summer · Afternoon · Nature · Reflection · Mood · Atmosphere · Sensory · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor