Lee o. Harris. Christmas Day -- 1909
The poem describes a rural scene on Christmas Day in 1909. A young girl named Lee O. Harris is the central figure. She is depicted as being alone and isolated from her family due to illness or injury, likely polio. The poem portrays her emotional state, her longing for connection with others, and her resilience in the face of adversity.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Inspirational · 309 words
First lines
O say not he is dead, The friend we honored so; Lift up a grateful voice instead And say: He lives, we know -- We know it by the light Of his enduring love Of honor, valor, truth, and right, And man, and God above.
Remember how he drew The child-heart to his own, And taught the parable anew, And reaped as he had sown; Remember with what cheer He filled the little lives, And stayed the sob and dried the tear With mirth that still survives.
What this Textopian page supports
Lee o. Harris. Christmas Day -- 1909 is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Inspirational, Patriotic, Religious
- Length: 309 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lee o. Harris. Christmas Day -- 1909 by James Whitcomb Riley
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Christmas Greeting by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Mystics Christmas by John Greenleaf Whittier
- A Song For Christmas by James Whitcomb Riley
- His Mothers Way by James Whitcomb Riley
- When The Frost Is On The Punkin by James Whitcomb Riley
- An Old Friend 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 legacy of a deceased individual, a common theme in elegiac works.
- Inspirational — The themes of enduring love, honor, and the uplifting message provide inspiration to the reader.
- Patriotic — References to patriotism and the 'patriot song' suggest a celebration of national values.
Tags
Poem · Christmas · Nostalgia · Holiday · Family · Tradition · Childhood · Memory · Sentimental · Literary · Classic · American