Old John Clevenger on Buckeyes
The poem portrays an old man's nostalgia for his youth and the Ohio State University football team, the Buckeyes. He reminisces about the thrill of watching them play and the sense of community that came with it. The poem explores themes of aging, memory, and the passing of time.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Regionalism, Humor · 1,344 words
First lines
Old John Clevenger lets on, Allus, like he's purty rough Timber. -- He's a grate old John! -- "Rough? " -- don't swaller no sich stuff! Moved here, sence the war was through, From Ohio -- somers near Old Bucyrus, -- loyal, too, As us "Hoosiers" is to _here_! Git old John stirred up a bit On his old home stompin'-ground -- Talks same as he lived thare yit, When some subject brings it round -- Like, fer instunce, Sund'y last, Fetched his wife, and et and stayed All night with us. -- Set and gassed Tel plum midnight -- 'cause I made Some remark 'bout "buckeyes" and "What was buckeyes good fer? " -- So, Like I 'lowed, he waved his hand And lit in and let me know: -- "What is Buckeyes good fer? ' -- What's _Pineys_ and _fergitmenots_? -- Honeysuckles, and sweet peas.
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Old John Clevenger on Buckeyes is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Regionalism, Humor, Folklore, Nostalgia
- Length: 1,344 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Regionalism — The narrative focuses on specific local culture and dialect, particularly of Ohio and Indiana.
- Humor — The text employs a light-hearted and humorous tone, especially in its portrayal of characters and situations.
- Folklore — The story incorporates elements of local folklore, such as the significance of buckeyes and traditional remedies.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Regionalism · Midwestern Fiction · Folklore · Mythology · Symbolism · Nature Writing · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age · Rural Life · Agriculture