Good-By, Old Year
The poem is a nostalgic reflection on the passing of time and the end of the year. It describes the speaker's memories of past years and their fading away like leaves on trees. The poem also touches on themes of mortality, loss, and the inevitability of change.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Reflective, Sentimental · 170 words
First lines
Good-by, Old Year! Good-by! We have been happy -- you and I; We have been glad in many ways; And now, that you have come to die, Remembering our happy days, 'Tis hard to say, "Good-by -- Good-by, Old Year! Good-by! "
Good-by, Old Year! Good-by! We have seen sorrow -- you and I -- Such hopeless sorrow, grief and care, That now, that you have come to die, Remembering our old despair, 'Tis sweet to say, "Good-by -- Good-by, Old Year! Good-by! "
What this Textopian page supports
Good-By, Old Year is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Reflective, Sentimental, Seasonal
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Reflective — The themes focus on reflection and contemplation of the past year, typical of reflective writing.
- Sentimental — The text expresses deep emotions and nostalgia, which are hallmarks of sentimental literature.
- Seasonal — The content revolves around the transition from one year to the next, aligning with seasonal themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nostalgia · Seasonal · Autumn · Farewell · Goodbye · Reflection · Sentimental · Melancholy · Nature