He and I by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of friendship and loyalty between two individuals who have known each other since childhood. It describes their deep bond and how it has endured despite time and distance. The speaker reflects on the memories they've shared and the ways in which their relationship has been tested by life's challenges. Ultimately, the poem presents a portrait of a lifelong friendship that remains strong and unshakeable.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Nature · 311 words
First lines
Just drifting on together -- He and I -- As through the balmy weather Of July Drift two thistle-tufts imbedded Each in each -- by zephyrs wedded -- Touring upward, giddy-headed, For the sky.
And, veering up and onward, Do we seem Forever drifting dawnward In a dream, Where we meet song-birds that know us, And the winds their kisses blow us, While the years flow far below us Like a stream.
What this Textopian page supports
He and I is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 311 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for He and I by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — Themes of companionship, joy, and nature suggest a romantic tone.
- Nature — Frequent references to natural elements like thistle-tufts, zephyrs, and the sky.
- Philosophical — Explores abstract concepts such as happiness, dreams, and the passage of time.
Tags
Poetry · Autobiographical · Memoir · Nostalgia · Childhood · Coming of Age · Indiana · American Literature · 19th Century · Literary Nonfiction · Personal Narrative · Family History