My Old Friend
The poem is a nostalgic and sentimental tribute to a lost friend, exploring the themes of friendship, loss, and memory. It describes the speaker's memories of their friend, who has passed away, and how they are struggling to come to terms with their absence. The poem uses imagery and symbolism to convey the depth of the speaker's emotions and the significance of their relationship with the deceased friend.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Friendship, Nostalgia · 273 words
First lines
You've a manner all so mellow, My old friend, That it cheers and warms a fellow, My old friend, Just to meet and greet you, and Feel the pressure of a hand That one may understand, My old friend.
Though dimmed in youthful splendor, My old friend, Your smiles are still as tender, My old friend, And your eyes as true a blue As your childhood ever knew, And your laugh as merry, too, My old friend.
For though your hair is faded, My old friend, And your step a trifle jaded, My old friend, Old Time, with all his lures In the trophies he secures, Leaves young that heart of yours, My old friend.
What this Textopian page supports
My Old Friend 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, Friendship, Nostalgia, Sentimental, Reflective
- Length: 273 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Friendship — The central theme revolves around the enduring bond and affection between old friends.
- Nostalgia — The poem reflects on past memories and the passage of time, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
- Sentimental — The tone is emotionally expressive, focusing on tender feelings and personal connections.
Tags
Poem · Friendship · Nostalgia · Sentimental · Autobiographical · Memoir · Literary · Classic · American · 19th Century · Verse · Free Verse