Sun and Rain by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the contrast between the warmth of sunshine and the melancholy of rain. It describes how the sun brings joy and vitality to the world, while the rain washes away the beauty of nature, leaving it dull and grey. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of sorrow.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Religious · 172 words
First lines
All day the sun and rain have been as friends, Each vying with the other which shall be Most generous in dowering earth and sea With their glad wealth, till each, as it descends, Is mingled with the other, where it blends In one warm, glimmering mist that falls on me As once God's smile fell over Galilee. The lily-cup, filled with it, droops and bends Like some white saint beside a sylvan shrine In silent prayer; the roses at my feet, Baptized with it as with a crimson wine, Gleam radiant in grasses grown so sweet, The blossoms lift, with tenderness divine, Their wet eyes heavenward with these of mine.
What this Textopian page supports
Sun and Rain 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, Pastoral, Religious, Romantic
- Length: 172 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Pastoral — The poem emphasizes the beauty of nature, depicting a harmonious relationship between the sun, rain, and earth.
- Religious — The text includes religious imagery and references, such as 'God's smile' and 'saint,' suggesting a spiritual or divine theme.
- Romantic — The poem's focus on nature, emotion, and beauty aligns with themes commonly found in Romantic literature.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Seasonal · Weather · Sun · Rain · Mood · Atmosphere · Emotional · Reflective · Contemplative · Romantic