In the Corridor

Name: In the Corridor
Author: James Whitcomb Riley

The poem describes a nostalgic and melancholic scene of a person walking alone in a deserted corridor, surrounded by memories of the past. The speaker reflects on lost love and the passage of time, with a sense of longing and regret. The tone is contemplative and introspective, with a focus on the emotional weight of memory and loss.

By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Romance, Lyric Poetry, Victorian · 222 words

First lines

Ah! at last alone, love! Now the band may play Till its sweetest tone, love, Swoons and dies away! They who most will miss us We're not caring for -- Who of them could kiss us In the corridor?

Had we only known, dear, Ere this long delay, Just how all alone, dear, We might waltz away, Then for hours, like this, love, We are longing for, We'd have still to kiss, love, In the corridor!

Nestle in my heart, love; Hug and hold me close -- Time will come to part, love, Ere a fellow knows; There! the Strauss is ended -- Whirl across the floor: Isn't waltzing splendid In the corridor?

What this Textopian page supports

In the Corridor is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
Author: James Whitcomb Riley
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romance, Lyric Poetry, Victorian, Dance
Length: 222 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for In the Corridor by James Whitcomb Riley
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Romance — The poem centers on a romantic encounter, emphasizing themes of love and intimacy.
Lyric Poetry — The work is structured as a lyrical poem, focusing on personal emotions and experiences.
Victorian — The style and themes reflect the Victorian era's focus on romantic and sentimental expression.
Dance — The poem references waltzing and music, highlighting the theme of dance as a metaphor for romance.