James B. Maynard
The poem is a nostalgic tribute to the joys of childhood and the passing of time. It reflects on the carefree days of youth and the inevitability of growing up. The speaker reminisces about his friend James B. Maynard, who has moved away, leaving behind memories of their adventures together.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Biography · 143 words
First lines
His daily, nightly task is o'er -- He leans above his desk no more.
His pencil and his pen say not One further word of gracious thought.
All silent is his _voice_, yet clear For all a grateful world to hear;
He poured abroad his human love In opulence unmeasured of --
What this Textopian page supports
James B. Maynard is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Biography, Philosophical
- Length: 143 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for James B. Maynard by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- My Conscience by James Whitcomb Riley
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- The Days Gone By by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Way It Wuz by James Whitcomb Riley
- Our Old Friend Neverfail by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on the life and death of an individual, expressing mourning and admiration.
- Biography — The poem provides a personal reflection on the life and character of James B. Maynard.
- Philosophical — The themes explore human love, duty, and the impact of an individual's life, which are philosophical in nature.
Tags
Biography · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Indiana · Autobiographical · Memoir · Self-Portrait · Literary Biography · Regionalism · Midwestern · Coming of Age