Mona Machree by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic and sentimental tribute to the speaker's childhood sweetheart, Mona Machree. It describes their idyllic summer days spent together in a rural setting, filled with laughter, adventure, and romance. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and how it has affected their relationship, but ultimately concludes that his love for Mona remains unchanged.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Nature · 222 words
First lines
"_Mona Machree, I'm the wanderin' cr'ature now, Over the sea; Slave of no lass, but a lover of Nature now Careless and free._" -- T. A. Daly.
Mona Machree! och, the sootherin' flow of it, Soft as the sea, Yet, in-under the mild, moves the wild undertow of it Tuggin' at me, Until both the head and the heart o' me's fightin' For breath, nigh a death all so grandly invitin' That -- barrin' your own livin' yet -- I'd delight in, Drowned in the deeps of this billowy song to you Sung by a lover your beauty has banned, Not alone from your love but his dear native land, Whilst the kiss of his lips, and touch of his hand, And his song -- all belong to you, Mona Machree!
What this Textopian page supports
Mona Machree 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, Romantic, Nature, Irish Literature
- Length: 222 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mona Machree 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — The themes of love and longing are central, focusing on the speaker's affection and emotional turmoil.
- Nature — There is a strong emphasis on the beauty and power of nature, as seen in the references to the sea and natural imagery.
- Irish Literature — The use of Irish dialect and cultural references suggests a connection to Irish literary traditions.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Children's Poetry · Nursery Rhymes · Folklore · Mythology · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature · Love · Friendship