I Smoke my Pipe by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the speaker's nostalgia for a simpler time and place, where life was more leisurely and enjoyable. The speaker reflects on their past experiences, particularly those related to smoking a pipe, which serves as a symbol of relaxation and contentment. The poem conveys a sense of longing for a bygone era, when life was less complicated and more peaceful.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective · 372 words
First lines
I can't extend to every friend / In need a helping hand -- / No matter though I wish it so, / 'Tis not as Fortune planned; / But haply may I fancy they / Are men of different stripe / Than others think who hint and wink, -- / And so -- I smoke my pipe!
A golden coal to crown the bowl -- / My pipe and I alone, -- / I sit and muse with idler views / Perchance than I should own: -- / It might be worse to own the purse / Whose glutted bowels gripe / In little qualms of stinted alms; / And so I smoke my pipe.
What this Textopian page supports
I Smoke my Pipe is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective, Literary, Nostalgic
- Length: 372 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for I Smoke my Pipe by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- An Old Timer by James Whitcomb Riley
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore introspection, the nature of fortune, and the human condition.
- Reflective — The narrative is centered on personal reflection and contemplation.
- Literary — The use of language and style is sophisticated, focusing on literary expression.
Tags
Poetry · Nostalgia · Smoking · Pipe · Rural · Life · Experience · Reflection · Memory · Childhood · Youth · Coming of Age