Lullaby. (Ragweed and Fennel)
The poem describes a mother's lullaby to her child, using the scents of ragweed and fennel to evoke a sense of comfort and security. The speaker sings of how these smells remind her of home and childhood memories, and she uses them to soothe her own child into sleep.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Lullaby, Nature · 214 words
First lines
The maple strews the embers of its leaves / O'er the laggard swallows nestled 'neath the eaves; / And the moody cricket falters in his cry -- Baby-bye! -- / And the lid of night is falling o'er the sky -- Baby-bye! -- / The lid of night is falling o'er the sky!
The rose is lying pallid, and the cup / Of the frosted calla-lily folded up; / And the breezes through the garden sob and sigh -- Baby-bye! -- / O'er the sleeping blooms of summer where they lie -- Baby-bye! -- / O'er the sleeping blooms of summer where they lie!
Similar titles
- Little Boatie by Henry Van Dyke
- Lullaby For A Baby Fairy by Joyce Kilmer
- Slumber Song by James Whitcomb Riley
- We Must Get Home by James Whitcomb Riley
- The First Bluebird by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Old Home By The Mill Ragweed And Fennel by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Lullaby — The repeated use of 'Baby-bye' and soothing imagery aligns with the traditional form of a lullaby.
- Nature — The text includes vivid descriptions of natural elements like leaves, swallows, and flowers.
- Sentimental — The emotional tone and themes of love and care for a child evoke sentimentality.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nursery Rhyme · Lullaby · Nature Imagery · Rural Setting · Simple Language · Rhyming Verse · Traditional Form · Whimsical Tone · Imaginative Storytelling · Folkloric Elements
What this Textopian page supports
Lullaby. (Ragweed and Fennel) 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, Lullaby, Nature, Sentimental, Pastoral
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Lullaby. (Ragweed and Fennel) by James Whitcomb Riley
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