My Night by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of youth. It describes a night spent reminiscing about past joys and sorrows, with the speaker's thoughts wandering back to childhood memories. The poem explores themes of nostalgia, mortality, and the bittersweet passage of time.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Nature · 177 words
First lines
Hush! hush! list, heart of mine, and hearken low! You do not guess how tender is the Night, And in what faintest murmurs of delight Her deep, dim-throated utterances flow Across the memories of long-ago! Hark! do your senses catch the exquisite Staccatos of a bird that dreams he sings? Nay, then, you hear not rightly, -- 'tis a blur Of misty love-notes, laughs and whisperings The Night pours o'er the lips that fondle her, And that faint breeze, filled with all fragrant sighs, -- That is her breath that quavers lover-wise -- O blessed sweetheart, with thy swart, sweet kiss, Baptize me, drown me in black swirls of bliss!
What this Textopian page supports
My Night is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Nature, Lyric
- Length: 177 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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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, tenderness, and affection are central, with a focus on emotional and sensory experiences.
- Nature — The poem emphasizes elements of the natural world, such as night, birds, and breezes, to convey its themes.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry, with a focus on the speaker's inner feelings.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nighttime · Dreams · Imagination · Fantasy · Symbolism · Nature · Moonlight · Solitude · Reflection