In the Evening
The poem explores themes of nostalgia and longing for a lost time. It describes the passing of an evening, with the speaker reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change. The tone is melancholic, with a sense of wistfulness for what has been lost.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Reflective · 228 words
First lines
I. In the evening of our days, When the first far stars above Glimmer dimmer, through the haze, Than the dewy eyes of love, Shall we mournfully revert To the vanished morns and Mays Of our youth, with hearts that hurt, -- In the evening of our days?
II. Shall the hand that holds your own Till the twain are thrilled as now, Be withheld, or colder grown?
Shall my kiss upon your brow Falter from its high estate?
And, in all forgetful ways, Shall we sit apart and wait -- In the evening of our days?
What this Textopian page supports
In the Evening 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, Romance, Reflective, Philosophical
- Length: 228 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Evening by James Whitcomb Riley
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- When Evening Shadows Fall by James Whitcomb Riley
- At Dusk by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Creek by Madison Cawein
- Sunset by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- In The Afternoon by James Whitcomb Riley
- The White Evening by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and rhyme.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, companionship, and emotional connection between partners.
- Reflective — The poem contemplates the passage of time and the enduring nature of love in later life.
- Philosophical — It explores existential themes such as the meaning of life and the inevitability of aging.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Evening · Sunset · Reflections · Meditative · Peaceful · Serene · Quiet · Solitude