Her Face and Brow
The poem explores the theme of beauty and its fleeting nature. It describes a woman's face and brow, highlighting their delicate features and imperfections. The speaker reflects on how beauty can be both captivating and ephemeral, subject to the ravages of time and experience.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Imagist · 135 words
First lines
Ah, help me! but her face and brow Are lovelier than lilies are Beneath the light of moon and star That smile as they are smiling now -- White lilies in a pallid swoon Of sweetest white beneath the moon -- White lilies, in a flood of bright Pure lucidness of liquid light Cascading down some plenilune, When all the azure overhead Blooms like a dazzling daisy-bed. -- So luminous her face and brow, The luster of their glory, shed In memory, even, blinds me now.
What this Textopian page supports
Her Face and Brow 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, Romantic, Imagist
- Length: 135 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, and focuses on vivid imagery and emotional expression.
- Romantic — The themes revolve around beauty and admiration, common elements in romantic literature.
- Imagist — The poem emphasizes clear, sharp language and visual imagery, akin to the principles of Imagism.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Feminine Mystique · Beauty Standards · Social Commentary · Irony · Satire · Literary Device