Autographic. for an Album
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a lost love. It describes an album that holds memories of past moments with the beloved, now gone. The speaker reflects on the significance of these memories and how they evoke emotions of sadness and yearning.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Autobiographical · 182 words
First lines
I feel, if aught I ought to rhyme, I ought 'a' thought a longer time, And ought 'a' caught a higher sense, Of autocratic eloquence. I ought 'a' sought each haughty Muse That taught a thought I ought to use, And fought and fraught, and so devised A poem _unmonotonized_. -- But since all this was vain, I thought I ought to simply say, -- I ought To thank you, as I ought to do, And ought to bow my best to you; And ought to trust not to intrude A rudely wrought-up gratitude, But ought to smile, and ought to laugh, And ought to write -- an autograph.
What this Textopian page supports
Autographic. for an Album is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Autobiographical, Literary
- Length: 182 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Autographic. for an Album by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The playful language and self-deprecating tone suggest a humorous intent.
- Autobiographical — The poem reflects personal thoughts and expressions, typical of autobiographical writing.
- Literary — The use of sophisticated language and literary devices aligns with literary genre conventions.
Tags
Poetry Collection · American Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Autobiographical Elements · Personal Reflections · Nostalgia · Childhood Memories · Family Life · Rural Setting · Indiana Setting · Regionalism · Folk Culture