Song of Parting
The poem explores the theme of longing and separation, with a focus on the pain of parting from loved ones. It describes the speaker's emotional state as they bid farewell to someone who will be leaving, and their own sense of loss and isolation that follows. The poem uses imagery and metaphor to convey the depth of the speaker's emotions, and suggests that even though physical distance may separate people, the emotional connection between them remains strong.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Melancholy · 214 words
First lines
Say farewell, and let me go; Shatter every vow!
All the future can bestow Will be welcome now!
And if this fair hand I touch I have worshipped overmuch, It was my mistake -- and so, Say farewell, and let me go.
Say farewell, and let me go: Murmur no regret, Stay your tear-drops ere they flow -- Do not waste them yet!
What this Textopian page supports
Song of Parting 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, Romance, Melancholy, Victorian
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Song of Parting by James Whitcomb Riley
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The themes of love, parting, and emotional connection are central to the narrative.
- Melancholy — The tone and themes reflect a sense of sadness and longing, typical of melancholic literature.
- Victorian — The style and themes align with the Victorian era's focus on emotion and personal relationships.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Loss · Longing · Nostalgia · Memory · Imagery · Symbolism · Melancholy · Solitude