Craqueodoom by James Whitcomb Riley
This poem explores the idea of a person's inner turmoil and emotional pain being reflected in their physical appearance. The speaker describes how they feel like they are slowly dying from within, with their heart cracking open like an eggshell. They describe their face as being distorted by their emotions, with their eyes sunken and their skin pale.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1871 · Genre: Nonsense Poetry, Fantasy, Humor · 266 words
First lines
The Crankadox leaned o'er the edge of the moon And wistfully gazed on the sea Where the Gryxabodill madly whistled a tune To the air of "Ti-fol-de-ding-dee."
The quavering shriek of the Fly-up-the-creek Was fitfully wafted afar To the Queen of the Wunks as she powdered her cheek With the pulverized rays of a star.
The Gool closed his ear on the voice of the Grig, And his heart it grew heavy as lead As he marked the Baldekin adjusting his wing On the opposite side of his head, And the air it grew chill as the Gryxabodill Raised his dank, dripping fins to the skies, And plead with the Plunk for the use of her bill To pick the tears out of his eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
Craqueodoom is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1871 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: 1871 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nonsense Poetry, Fantasy, Humor, Children's Literature
- Length: 266 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Craqueodoom 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Craqueodoom?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nonsense Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Nonsense Poetry — The text features whimsical and fantastical elements, nonsensical language, and imaginative creatures, characteristic of nonsense poetry.
- Fantasy — The presence of mythical creatures and a surreal setting aligns with the fantasy genre.
- Humor — The absurdity and playful language suggest a humorous tone.
- Children's Literature — The playful and imaginative nature of the text is often found in literature aimed at children.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Fictionalized Nonfiction · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Nostalgia · Regionalism