Dearth (Sonnets) by James Whitcomb Riley
This collection of sonnets explores themes of mortality and the passing of time. The poems express a sense of melancholy and longing for what has been lost. They also touch on the idea that death can be a transformative experience, allowing individuals to transcend their earthly concerns and connect with something greater.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 162 words
First lines
I hold your trembling hand to-night -- and yet / I may not know what wealth of bliss is mine, / My heart is such a curious design / Of trust and jealousy! Your eyes are wet -- / So must I think they jewel some regret -- , / And lo, the loving arms that round me twine / Cling only as the tendrils of a vine / Whose fruit has long been gathered: I forget, / While crimson clusters of your kisses press / Their wine out on my lips, my royal fair / Of rapture, since blind fancy needs must guess / They once poured out their sweetness otherwhere, / With fuller flavoring of happiness / Than e'en your broken sobs may now declare.
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, a traditional poetic form, and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, intimacy, and emotional connection, typical of romantic literature.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and exploration of complex feelings like jealousy and regret add a dramatic element.
Tags
Poetry · Sonnets · American Literature · 19th Century · Death · Mortality · Loss · Grief · Elegy · Formal Verse · Rhyme Scheme · Iambic Pentameter
What this Textopian page supports
Dearth (Sonnets) 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
- Length: 162 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for Dearth (Sonnets) by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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