An Empty Nest
The poem describes a mother's emotional state when her children leave home for the first time. She feels a sense of emptiness and loss, but also pride in their independence. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and how quickly her children have grown up.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Melancholy · 191 words
First lines
I find an old deserted nest, Half-hidden in the underbrush: A withered leaf, in phantom jest, Has nestled in it like a thrush With weary, palpitating breast.
I muse as one in sad surprise Who seeks his childhood's home once more, And finds it in a strange disguise Of vacant rooms and naked floor, With sudden tear-drops in his eyes.
An empty nest! It used to bear A happy burden, when the breeze Of summer rocked it, and a pair Of merry tattlers told the trees What treasures they had hidden there.
But Fancy, flitting through the gleams Of youth's sunshiny atmosphere, Has fallen in the past, and seems, Like this poor leaflet nestled here, -- A phantom guest of empty dreams.
What this Textopian page supports
An Empty Nest 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, Melancholy, Nature, Symbolism
- Length: 191 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about the past and childhood memories.
- Melancholy — The tone is reflective and sorrowful, contemplating loss and emptiness.
- Nature — The imagery and setting are deeply connected to natural elements and landscapes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Family · Loss · Grief · Nostalgia · Childhood · Parenting · Empty Nest Syndrome · Domestic Life