At Noon -- and Midnight. (Sweet-Knot and Galamus
The poem explores the contrast between the peacefulness of a summer day and the stillness of a winter night. It describes the beauty of nature at these two times, emphasizing the serenity and quiet that pervades both moments. The speaker reflects on how time stands still during these hours, allowing for contemplation and introspection.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 168 words
First lines
Far in the night, and yet no rest for him! The pillow next his own / The wife's sweet face in slumber pressed -- yet he awake -- alone! / alone! / In vain he courted sleep; -- one thought would ever in his heart / arise, -- / The harsh words that at noon had brought the teardrops to her eyes.
Slowly on lifted arm he raised and listened. All was still as death; / He touched her forehead as he gazed, and listened yet, with bated / breath: / Still silently, as though he prayed, his lips moved lightly as she / slept -- / For God was with him, and he laid his face with hers and wept.
What this Textopian page supports
At Noon -- and Midnight. (Sweet-Knot and Galamus) 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, Romance, Drama, Domestic Fiction
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At Noon -- and Midnight. (Sweet-Knot and Galamus) 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, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the emotional dynamics between a husband and wife, highlighting love and reconciliation.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional conflict and resolution, typical of dramatic literature.
- Domestic Fiction — The setting and plot focus on the intimate, personal aspects of married life, a hallmark of domestic fiction.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Mythology · Folklore · Whimsy · Fantasy · Dreamlike Quality · Imaginative Realism · Romanticism