The Drum. (Ragweed and Fennel)
This poem is a nostalgic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of childhood. It describes a summer day spent playing with friends near a drum made from ragweed and fennel stalks, symbolizing the carefree innocence of youth. The speaker reminisces about the simple joys of childhood, such as making music and exploring the outdoors, and laments the loss of this idyllic period in life.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Patriotic, Historical · 497 words
First lines
O the drum! / There is some / Intonation in thy grum / Monotony of utterance that strikes the spirit dumb, / As we hear / Through the clear / And unclouded atmosphere, / Thy palpitating syllables roll in upon the car!
There's a part / Of the art / Of thy music-throbbing heart / That thrills a something in us that awakens with a start, / And in rhyme / With the chime / And exactitude of time, / Goes marching on to glory to thy melody sublime.
What this Textopian page supports
The Drum. (Ragweed and Fennel) 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, Patriotic, Historical, Inspirational
- Length: 497 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Drum. (Ragweed and Fennel) 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
Similar titles
- In The Heart Of June by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Dost O Blues Ragweed And Fennel by James Whitcomb Riley
- Liberty New Castle July 4 1878 by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Canary At The Farm In Dialect by James Whitcomb Riley
- Iry And Billy And Jo by James Whitcomb Riley
- As Created by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhythmic and rhyming patterns, characteristic of poetry.
- Patriotic — The themes revolve around national pride and historical references, particularly to the American Revolution.
- Historical — References to historical events and figures, such as the battle of Lexington, are prominent.
- Inspirational — The text evokes a sense of inspiration and calls to action, particularly in the context of freedom and patriotism.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Rural Setting · Folk Culture · Whimsy · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Regionalism