Has she Forgotten?
The poem explores the theme of lost love and nostalgia for a past relationship that has faded from memory. The speaker reflects on how time has erased their former lover's image from their mind, leaving only a faint sense of longing.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy · 493 words
First lines
I. Has she forgotten? On this very May We were to meet here, with the birds and bees, As on that Sabbath, underneath the trees We strayed among the tombs, and stripped away The vines from these old granites, cold and gray -- And yet indeed not grim enough were they To stay our kisses, smiles and ecstasies, Or closer voice-lost vows and rhapsodies.
Has she forgotten -- that the May has won Its promise? -- that the bird-songs from the tree Are sprayed above the grasses as the sun Might jar the dazzling dew down showeringly?
What this Textopian page supports
Has she Forgotten? 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, Tragedy, Elegy, Lyric
- Length: 493 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Has she Forgotten? by James Whitcomb Riley
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The themes of love, longing, and emotional connection are central to the narrative.
- Tragedy — The poem explores themes of loss, grief, and unfulfilled love, which are key elements of tragedy.
- Elegy — The work reflects on loss and mourning, typical of an elegy, as the speaker laments a past relationship.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Romance · Love Poem · Nostalgia · Memory · Longing · Yearning · Melancholy · Sentimental · Emotional