The Curse of the Wandering Foot
This poem is a narrative about a man who has a habit of wandering away from his home and family. He is drawn to the outdoors and feels a sense of freedom when he is alone in nature. His loved ones try to keep him at home, but he always manages to slip away. The poem explores themes of restlessness, wanderlust, and the human desire for independence. The speaker's love for his family is evident, but it is not enough to keep him from following his own desires. Throughout the poem, the language is simple and accessible, with a focus on the natural world and the speaker's emotions. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with a sense of longing that pervades the entire work. The poem raises questions about the nature of freedom and the importance of family ties. Is it better to follow one's own desires or to stay close to those who love us? The poem does not provide clear answers, but instead presents a nuanced exploration of this complex issue.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1879 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Existential · 288 words
First lines
All hope of rest withdrawn me? -- What dread command hath put This awful curse upon me -- The curse of the wandering foot!
Forward and backward and thither, And hither and yon again -- Wandering ever! And whither?
Answer them, God! Amen.
The blue skies are far o'er me -- - The bleak fields near below: Where the mother that bore me? -- Where her grave in the snow? -- Glad in her trough of a coffin -- The sad eyes frozen shut That wept so often, often, The curse of the wandering foot!
What this Textopian page supports
The Curse of the Wandering Foot is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1879 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: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Existential, Philosophical, Mystical
- Length: 288 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Curse of the Wandering Foot 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Curse of the Wandering Foot?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Out Of The Hitherwhere by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Harper by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Hoss by James Whitcomb Riley
- At Utter Loaf by James Whitcomb Riley
- Sister Joness Confession by James Whitcomb Riley
- Sooner Than You Can Water Milk Or Cry Amen by Dylan Thomas
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — The text contains references to God, Christ, and themes of divine intervention and spiritual reflection.
- Existential — The themes explore existential questions about purpose, restlessness, and the human condition.
- Philosophical — The work delves into philosophical inquiries about fate, destiny, and the nature of curses.
Tags
Folklore · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Regionalism · Midwestern · Rural Life · Travel · Adventure