Pap's Old Sayin'
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and the passing of time through a series of vignettes that reflect on the speaker's childhood memories. The narrative voice is that of an older man looking back on his youth, recalling the sayings and wisdom imparted by his father. The poem's tone is reflective and melancholic, with a focus on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of holding onto cherished memories.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Family · 514 words
First lines
Pap had one old-fashioned sayin' That I'll never quite fergit -- And they's seven growed-up childern Of us rickollects it yit! -- Settin' round the dinner-table, Talkin' 'bout our friends, perhaps, Er abusin' of our neghbors, I kin hear them words o' Pap's -- "Shet up, and eat yer vittels! "
Pap he'd never argy with us, Ner cut any subject short Whilse we all kep' clear o' gossip, And wuz actin' as we ort: But ef we'd git out o' order -- Like sometimes a fambly is, -- Faultin' folks, er one another, Then we'd hear that voice o' his -- "Shet up, and eat yer vittels! "
What this Textopian page supports
Pap's Old Sayin' 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, Humor, Family, Nostalgia, Folklore
- Length: 514 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The repeated phrase and the depiction of family dynamics provide a humorous tone.
- Family — The narrative centers around family interactions and advice passed down from a parent.
- Nostalgia — The speaker reflects on past family experiences and memories.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Humorous Verse · Folk Wisdom · Proverbial Sayings · Rural Life · Indiana Setting · 19th Century Writing · Regionalism · Satire · Social Commentary · Whimsy