Judith by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic and sentimental tribute to a woman named Judith who has passed away. It reflects on the speaker's memories of her and their relationship. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with a focus on the passing of time and the loss of innocence.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1884 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric · 227 words
First lines
O her eyes are amber-fine -- Dark and deep as wells of wine, While her smile is like the noon Splendor of a day of June.
If she sorrow -- lo! her face It is like a flowery space In bright meadows, overlaid With light clouds and lulled with shade If she laugh -- it is the trill Of the wayward whippoorwill Over upland pastures, heard Echoed by the mocking-bird In dim thickets dense with bloom And blurred cloyings of perfume.
If she sigh -- a zephyr swells Over odorous asphodels And wan lilies in lush plots Of moon-drown'd forget-me-nots.
What this Textopian page supports
Judith is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric
- Length: 227 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, and focuses on vivid imagery and emotional expression.
- Romantic — The themes revolve around beauty, love, and nature, with an emphasis on emotional depth and idealized imagery.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and feelings, characteristic of lyric poetry, with a focus on the speaker's admiration and affection.
Tags
Poem · Literary · American · 19th Century · Verse · Ballad · Feminine · Heroic · Tragic · Romantic · Historical · Dramatic