The Lost Thrill
This poem explores the theme of nostalgia and the passing of time. It describes a person who has lost their sense of wonder and excitement for life, now that they are older. The speaker reflects on how they used to feel invigorated by the world around them, but now everything seems dull and uninteresting.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Literary · 161 words
First lines
I grow so weary, someway, of all thing That love and loving have vouchsafed to me, Since now all dreamed-of sweets of ecstasy Am I possessed of: The caress that clings -- The lips that mix with mine with murmurings No language may interpret, and the free, Unfettered brood of kisses, hungrily Feasting in swarms on honeyed blossomings Of passion's fullest flower -- For yet I miss The essence that alone makes love divine -- The subtle flavoring no tang of this Weak wine of melody may here define: -- A something found and lost in the first kiss A lover ever poured through lips of mine.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lost Thrill 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, Romance, Literary
- Length: 161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, passion, and the emotional experiences of a lover.
- Literary — The work employs rich language and explores complex emotions, typical of literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nostalgia · Childhood Memories · Coming of Age · Loss of Innocence · Nature Imagery · Imagism · Symbolism · Realism · Regionalism