After the Frost
The poem explores the theme of winter's aftermath and the cyclical nature of life. It describes a landscape transformed by frost, with trees standing bare and frozen lakes glistening in the sunlight. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change, noting that even as the earth lies dormant, new life will eventually emerge.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1880 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Nature · 204 words
First lines
After the frost! O the rose is dead, And the weeds lie pied in the garden-bed, And the peach tree's shade in the wan sunshine, Faint as the veins in these hands of mine, Streaks the gray of the orchard wall Where the vine rasps loose, and the last leaves fall, And the bare boughs writhe, and the winds are lost -- After the frost -- the frost!
After the frost! O the weary head And the hands and the heart are quieted; And the lips we loved are locked at last, And kiss not back, though the rain falls fast And the lashes drip, and the soul makes moan, And on through the dead leaves walks alone Where the bare boughs writhe and the winds are lost -- After the frost -- the frost!
What this Textopian page supports
After the Frost is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Nature, Melancholic, Symbolism
- Length: 204 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for After the Frost 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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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Autumn Sorrow by Madison Cawein
- Now Close The Windows by Robert Frost
- The Long Small Room by Edward Thomas
- Autumn Thought by Langston Hughes
- Pause by Madison Cawein
- Snow by Edward Thomas
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyrical — The text expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyrical poetry.
- Nature — The imagery and themes revolve around natural elements and the changing seasons.
- Melancholic — The tone and themes convey a sense of sadness and loss.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Seasonal · Winter · Frost · Cold · Isolation · Loneliness · Melancholy · Nostalgia · Memory · Loss