Dreamer, Say by James Whitcomb Riley

Name: Dreamer, Say
Author: James Whitcomb Riley

The poem explores the idea of a dreamer who is detached from reality and lives in a world of fantasy. The speaker describes this individual's ability to escape into their imagination, where they can create their own reality and live out their desires. However, this detachment also makes them vulnerable to disappointment and disillusionment when faced with the harsh realities of life.

By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Fantasy · 257 words

First lines

Dreamer, say, will you dream for me A wild sweet dream of a foreign land, Whose border sips of a foaming sea With lips of coral and silver sand; Where warm winds loll on the shady deeps, Or lave themselves in the tearful mist The great wild wave of the breaker weeps O'er crags of opal and amethyst?

Dreamer, say, will you dream a dream Of tropic shades in the lands of shine, Where the lily leans o'er an amber stream That flows like a rill of wasted wine, -- Where the palm-trees, lifting their shields of green, Parry the shafts of the Indian sun Whose splintering vengeance falls between The reeds below where the waters run?

What this Textopian page supports

Dreamer, Say is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Fantasy, Travel
Length: 257 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Dreamer, Say 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 Dreamer, Say?
How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and vivid imagery, characteristic of poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of exotic landscapes, dreams, and idealized love align with the Romantic movement's emphasis on emotion and nature.
Fantasy — The dreamlike quality and depiction of fantastical, idyllic settings suggest elements of fantasy.
Travel — The imagery of foreign lands and seas evokes a sense of exploration and travel.