Becalmed by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem describes a serene and peaceful scene of a lake on a summer day. The water is calm, with no wind to disturb it. A sailboat drifts lazily across the surface, its sails limp and still. The atmosphere is tranquil, with a sense of time standing still. The speaker reflects on the beauty of this moment, finding solace in the peacefulness of nature.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Pastoral · 221 words
First lines
1. Would that the winds might only blow / As they blew in the golden long ago -- !
Laden with odors of Orient isles / Where ever and ever the sunshine smiles, / And the bright sands blend with the shady trees, / And the lotus blooms in the midst of these.
2. Warm winds won from the midland vales / To where the tress of the Siren trails / O'er the flossy tip of the mountain phlox / And the bare limbs twined in the crested rocks, / High above as the seagulls flap / Their lopping wings at the thunder-clap.
What this Textopian page supports
Becalmed 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, Romanticism, Pastoral, Mythological
- Length: 221 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Becalmed 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- A Noon Lull by James Whitcomb Riley
- In The Afternoon by James Whitcomb Riley
- When Evening Shadows Fall by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Old Byway by Madison Cawein
- Sleep by James Whitcomb Riley
- In The Evening by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — The text emphasizes emotion, nature, and nostalgia, aligning with Romantic themes.
- Pastoral — The imagery of nature and idyllic landscapes reflects pastoral elements.
- Mythological — References to Jason and Medea suggest mythological influences.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Peaceful · Serene · Reflection · Meditation · Solitude · Quiet · Stillness · Calm