A Water-Color
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a lost love. It describes a watercolor painting that captures the beauty of a past moment, but also serves as a reminder of what has been lost. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and love, and how memories can be both bittersweet and beautiful.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Romanticism · 127 words
First lines
Low hidden in among the forest trees An artist's tilted easel, ankle-deep In tousled ferns and mosses, and in these A fluffy water-spaniel, half asleep Beside a sketch-book and a fallen hat -- A little wicker flask tossed into that.
A sense of utter carelessness and grace Of pure abandon in the slumb'rous scene, -- As if the June, all hoydenish of face, Had romped herself to sleep there on the green, And brink and sagging bridge and sliding stream Were just romantic parcels of her dream.
What this Textopian page supports
A Water-Color 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, Pastoral, Romanticism, Impressionism
- Length: 127 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Pastoral — The imagery and setting focus on nature and rural life, typical of pastoral themes.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on nature, emotion, and beauty aligns with Romantic literary themes.
- Impressionism — The vivid, sensory descriptions and focus on capturing a moment reflect Impressionist influences.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Watercolor Painting · Artistic Expression · Romanticism · Whimsy · Fantasy · Dreamlike Quality