His Mother. (down Around the River Poems)
The poem explores a mother's grief and guilt over her son's death, which she attributes to his wandering lifestyle and association with the river. She reflects on their past relationship and her attempts to guide him towards a more stable life. The poem presents a nuanced portrayal of maternal love and regret.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Tragedy · 182 words
First lines
DEAD! my wayward boy -- _my own_ -- Not _the Law's! _ but _mine_ -- the good God's free gift to me alone, Sanctified by motherhood.
"Bad," you say: Well, who is not? "Brutal" -- "with a heart of stone" -- And "red-handed. " -- Ah! the hot Blood upon your own!
I come not, with downward eyes, To plead for him shamedly, -- God did not apologize When He gave the boy to me.
Simply, I make ready now For _His_ verdict. -- _You_ prepare -- You have killed us both -- and how Will you face us There!
What this Textopian page supports
His Mother. (down Around the River Poems) 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, Drama, Tragedy, Religious, Family
- Length: 182 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Drama — The poem explores intense emotional themes such as loss, guilt, and maternal love, which are central to dramatic literature.
- Tragedy — The narrative revolves around the death of a son and the mother's grief, aligning with the elements of tragedy.
- Religious — The poem references God and the afterlife, indicating a religious or spiritual dimension.
Tags
Poetry Collection · American Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Regionalism · Midwestern Literature · Family Dynamics · Mother-Son Relationship · Nostalgia · Rural Life · Riverine Imagery · Symbolism · Imagery Rich