An Old Friend
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and the passing of time through the eyes of an old friend who has returned to visit a childhood home. The speaker reflects on the changes that have taken place in their life, including the loss of innocence and the onset of adulthood. The poem also touches on the idea of how memories can be both comforting and painful.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1881 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Pastoral · 261 words
First lines
Hey, Old Midsummer! are you here again, With all your harvest-store of olden joys, -- Vast overhanging meadow-lands of rain, And drowsy dawns, and noons when golden grain Nods in the sun, and lazy truant boys Drift ever listlessly adown the day, Too full of joy to rest, and dreams to play.
The same old Summer, with the same old smile Beaming upon us in the same old way We knew in childhood! Though a weary while Since that far time, yet memories reconcile The heart with odorous breaths of clover hay; And again I hear the doves, and the sun streams through The old barn door just as it used to do.
What this Textopian page supports
An Old Friend is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1881 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: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nostalgia, Pastoral, Sentimental
- Length: 261 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- My Old Friend by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Song Of Long Ago by James Whitcomb Riley
- An Old Sweetheart Of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Old Played Out Song by James Whitcomb Riley
- To A Dead Friend by Langston Hughes
- An Old Sweetheart Sweet Knot And Galamus by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about past joys and memories, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
- Pastoral — The imagery of meadow-lands, golden grain, and rural life aligns with pastoral themes.
- Sentimental — The emotional tone and focus on personal feelings and memories suggest a sentimental genre.
Tags
Poem · Friendship · Nostalgia · Memory · Longing · Sentimental · Melancholy · Bittersweet · Autobiographical · Indiana · American · Literary