On the Banks o' Deer Crick
The poem is a nostalgic and idyllic portrayal of rural life in the American Midwest during the late 19th century. It describes a serene landscape along a creek where children play and fish, while their parents work on the farm nearby. The poem's tone is peaceful and contemplative, evoking a sense of simplicity and contentment.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Regionalism · 510 words
First lines
On the banks o' Deer Crick! There's the place fer me! -- / Worter slidin' past ye jes as clair as it kin be: -- / See yer shadder in it, and the shadder o' the sky, / And the shadder o' the buzzard as he goes a-lazein' by; / Shadder o' the pizen-vines, and shadder o' the trees -- / And I purt'-nigh said the shadder o' the sunshine and the breeze!
Well -- I never seen the ocean ner I never seen the sea: / On the banks o' Deer Crick's grand enough fer me!
What this Textopian page supports
On the Banks o' Deer Crick 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, Pastoral, Regionalism, Nostalgia
- Length: 510 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On the Banks o' Deer Crick 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Pastoral — The themes and imagery focus on rural life and nature, celebrating the simplicity and beauty of the countryside.
- Regionalism — The setting and dialect reflect a specific geographical area, emphasizing local color and culture.
- Nostalgia — The tone and content evoke a longing for simpler times and places, reflecting a sentimental view of the past.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Regionalism · Midwestern · Rural Life · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Folk Culture · Storytelling · Verse Form