Elizabeth. May 1, 1891
The poem is a nostalgic and sentimental tribute to the passing of time and the fleeting nature of youth. It reflects on the loss of innocence and the inevitability of growing up. The speaker reminisces about Elizabeth's childhood, highlighting her carefree spirit and joy in life. The poem also touches on the theme of nostalgia, as the speaker looks back on happier times with a sense of longing.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1856 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Pastoral · 278 words
First lines
I. Elizabeth! Elizabeth!
The first May-morning whispereth Thy gentle name in every breeze That lispeth through the young-leaved trees, New raimented in white and green Of bloom and leaf to crown thee queen; -- And, as in odorous chorus, all The orchard-blossoms sweetly call Even as a singing voice that saith Elizabeth! Elizabeth!
II. Elizabeth! Lo, lily-fair, In deep, cool shadows of thy hair, Thy face maintaineth its repose. -- Is it, O sister of the rose, So better, sweeter, blooming thus Than in this briery world with us? -- Where frost o'ertaketh, and the breath Of biting winter harrieth With sleeted rains and blighting snows All fairest blooms -- Elizabeth!
What this Textopian page supports
Elizabeth. May 1, 1891 is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1856 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: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Pastoral, Romantic
- Length: 278 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Elizabeth. May 1, 1891 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 a focus on rhythm, meter, and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Elegy — The themes of mourning and loss, as well as the lamentation of Elizabeth's absence, align with the elegiac tradition.
- Pastoral — The imagery of nature, such as trees, blossoms, and the May-day setting, reflects pastoral elements.
- Romantic — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and beauty is indicative of Romantic literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Seasonal · Spring · Feminine Perspective · Domestic Life · Rural Setting · Nostalgia · Sentimentality