The Lost Path. (down Around the River Poems)
This collection of poems explores themes of nostalgia and longing for a lost era. The poems are written in a nostalgic tone, evoking memories of childhood summers spent along the River Po. They express a sense of melancholy and wistfulness for a time that has passed. The speaker reflects on the changing seasons and the fleeting nature of youth.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Pastoral · 228 words
First lines
Alone they walked -- their fingers knit together, / And swaying listlessly as might a swing / Wherein Dan Cupid dangled in the weather / Of some sun-flooded afternoon of Spring.
Within the clover-fields the tickled cricket / Laughed lightly as they loitered down the lane, / And from the covert of the hazel-thicket / The squirrel peeped and laughed at them again.
The bumble-bee that tipped the lily-vases / Along the road-side in the shadows dim, / Went following the blossoms of their faces / As though their sweets must needs be shared with him.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lost Path. (down Around the River Poems) is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Pastoral, Symbolism
- Length: 228 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Lost Path. (down Around the River Poems) by James Whitcomb Riley
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Similar titles
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- Spring In The South Later Poems by Henry Van Dyke
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — Themes of love and idyllic imagery are prevalent, focusing on a couple's journey and connection.
- Pastoral — The setting and imagery are rooted in nature, with references to fields, animals, and rural life.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols such as Cupid, bees, and cattle convey deeper meanings related to love and harmony with nature.
Tags
Poetry Collection · American Literature · 19th Century Poetry · River Poems · Nature Poetry · Regionalism · Midwestern American Culture · Rural Life · Folk Poetry · Traditional Forms · Ballads · Free Verse