Sleep (Sonnets) by James Whitcomb Riley
The collection of sonnets explores the theme of sleep and its effects on the human experience. It delves into the idea that sleep can be both a source of comfort and a means of escape from reality. The poems examine the speaker's relationship with sleep, often expressing a sense of longing or nostalgia for the peacefulness it brings.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Mythological · 159 words
First lines
Thou drowsy god, whose blurred eyes, half awink / Muse on me -- , drifting out upon thy dreams, / I lave my soul as in enchanted streams / Where revelling satyrs pipe along the brink, / And tipsy with the melody they drink, / Uplift their dangling hooves, and down the beams / Of sunshine dance like motes. Thy languor seems / An ocean-depth of love wherein I sink / Like some fond Argonaut, right willingly -- , / Because of wooing eyes upturned to mine, / And siren-arms that coil their sorcery / About my neck, with kisses so divine, / The heavens reel above me, and the sea / Swallows and licks its wet lips over me.
What this Textopian page supports
Sleep (Sonnets) 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, Romantic, Mythological, Fantasy, Dream
- Length: 159 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sleep (Sonnets) by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, a traditional poetic form, and employs poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and vivid imagery.
- Romantic — The themes of love, enchantment, and divine beauty are central, evoking a sense of romanticism.
- Mythological — References to Argonauts, sirens, and satyrs suggest a mythological influence.
- Fantasy — The imagery of enchanted streams and mythical creatures creates a fantastical atmosphere.
Tags
Poetry · Collection · Sleep · Dreams · Nighttime · Imagery · Symbolism · Nature · Seasonal · Autumn · Mood · Atmosphere