Out of Reach?
The story revolves around a young girl who lives with her family on the outskirts of a small town. She longs for adventure and excitement beyond her mundane life. One day, she meets a mysterious stranger who offers to take her on a journey to a distant land. The girl's parents are hesitant at first but eventually give their consent. The story follows the girl as she embarks on this journey, experiencing new sights, sounds, and emotions along the way. However, as they travel further away from home, the girl begins to realize that the stranger may not be what he seems. She starts to feel a sense of unease and disconnection from her family. The narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships. The story raises questions about the nature of reality and the consequences of one's choices. Ultimately, the girl must confront the harsh realities of her situation and make a decision that will determine her future.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1877 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual · 81 words
First lines
You think them "out of reach," your dead?
Nay, by my own dead, I deny Your "out of reach. " -- Be comforted: 'Tis not so far to die.
O by their dear remembered smiles And outheld hands and welcoming speech, They wait for us, thousands of miles This side of "out-of-reach. "
What this Textopian page supports
Out of Reach? is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1877 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: 1877 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual, Reflective
- Length: 81 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Out of Reach? 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Out of Reach??
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Waiting by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Deficiency by Madison Cawein
- If All The Skies Of Skies And Seasons by Henry Van Dyke
- Gone by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Uncomforted by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Hill Top by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life and death.
- Spiritual — The content addresses the afterlife and the connection with deceased loved ones.
- Reflective — The work encourages introspection on personal loss and memory.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Mortality · Loss · Longing · Isolation · Solitude · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Hope