Somep'N Common-Like

Name: Somep'N Common-Like
Author: James Whitcomb Riley

The poem explores the idea that even the most mundane and ordinary aspects of life can be imbued with a sense of beauty and wonder when viewed through the lens of nostalgia and sentimentality. The speaker reflects on the simple pleasures of childhood, such as playing in the woods and watching the sunset, and finds joy and meaning in these everyday experiences.

By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Realism, Philosophical · 200 words

First lines

Somep'n 'at's common-like, and good And plain, and easy understood; Somep'n 'at folks like me and you Kin understand, and relish, too, And find some sermint in 'at hits The spot, and sticks and benefits.

We don't need nothin' extry fine; 'Cause, take the run o' minds like mine, And we'll go more on good horse-sense Than all your flowery eloquence; And we'll jedge best of honest acts By Nature's statement of the facts.

So when you're wantin' to express Your misery, er happiness, Er anything 'at's wuth the time O' telling in plain talk er rhyme -- Jes' sort o' let your subject run As ef the Lord wuz listenun.

What this Textopian page supports

Somep'N Common-Like 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, Realism, Philosophical, Inspirational
Length: 200 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Realism — The themes focus on common, everyday experiences and straightforward expression, aligning with realist literature.
Philosophical — The text reflects on the value of simplicity and honest expression, which are philosophical themes.
Inspirational — The work encourages authenticity and sincerity, offering motivational insights.