The Good, Old-Fashioned People
This collection of poetry explores the nostalgia for a simpler time and place, often focusing on rural Indiana life. The poems portray a romanticized view of traditional values and customs, emphasizing the importance of community, hard work, and family ties.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Pastoral · 349 words
First lines
When we hear Uncle Sidney tell About the long-ago An' old, old friends he loved so well When _he_ was young -- My-oh! -- Us childern all wish _we'd 'a'_ bin A-livin' then with Uncle, -- so We could a-kindo' happened in On them old friends he used to know! -- The good, old-fashioned people -- The hale, hard-working people -- The kindly country people 'At Uncle used to know!
They was God's people, Uncle says, An' gloried in His name, An' worked, without no selfishness, An' loved their neighbers same As they was kin: An' when they biled Their tree-molasses, in the Spring, Er butchered in the Fall, they smiled An' sheered with all jist ever'thing! --
What this Textopian page supports
The Good, Old-Fashioned People is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1885 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nostalgia, Pastoral, Family, Historical
- Length: 349 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about the past and longing for simpler times.
- Pastoral — The depiction of rural life and country people aligns with pastoral themes.
- Family — The narrative is centered around family storytelling and generational connections.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Nostalgia · Rural Life · Folk Culture · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Regionalism · Indiana · Midwestern United States · 19th Century