Song by James Whitcomb Riley (1883)
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a lost love. The speaker reflects on a past relationship that has ended, but still holds a deep emotional connection to it. The song in question is likely a lullaby or a love song that evokes memories of the past. The speaker's emotions are bittersweet, with a sense of melancholy and regret for what could have been.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 410 words
First lines
O I would I had a lover! / A lover! a lover! / O I would I had a lover / With a twinkering guitar, / To come beneath my casement / Singing "There is none above her," / While I, leaning, seemed to hover / In the scent of his cigar!
Then at morn I'd want to meet him -- / To meet him! to meet him! / O at morn I'd want to meet him, / When the mist was in the sky, / And the dew along the path I went / To casually greet him, / And to cavalierly treat him, / And regret it by and by.
What this Textopian page supports
Song 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, Drama, Humor
- Length: 410 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Song 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, longing, and romantic interactions, central to the romance genre.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and exploration of personal relationships suggest elements of drama.
- Humor — The playful tone and whimsical scenarios imply a humorous undertone.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Music · Emotion · Sensuality · Romance · Love · Beauty · Imagery · Symbolism