The Mulberry Tree
The poem describes a mulberry tree that has been a silent witness to the joys and sorrows of a family over several generations. The tree's branches have provided shade for children playing beneath them, its fruit has been eaten by the family, and its leaves have rustled in the wind as loved ones have come and gone.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Pastoral · 448 words
First lines
It's many's the scenes which is dear to my mind As I think of my childhood so long left behind; The home of my birth, with it's old puncheon-floor, And the bright morning-glories that growed round the door; The warped clab-board roof whare the rain it run off Into streams of sweet dreams as I laid in the loft, Countin' all of the joys that was dearest to me, And a-thinkin' the most of the mulberry tree.
And to-day as I dream, with both eyes wide-awake, I can see the old tree, and its limbs as they shake, And the long purple berries that rained on the ground Whare the pastur' was bald whare we trommpt it around.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mulberry Tree is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nostalgia, Pastoral, Memoir, American Literature
- Length: 448 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mulberry Tree 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 Mulberry Tree?
- 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
- The Delights Of Our Chilhood Is Soon Passed Away by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Child World by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Best Times by James Whitcomb Riley
- Right Here At Home by James Whitcomb Riley
- An Empty Nest by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Child At The Gate by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about childhood and past experiences.
- Pastoral — The setting and imagery focus on rural life and nature, typical of pastoral literature.
- Memoir — The narrative reflects personal memories and experiences, akin to a memoir.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Childhood · Nostalgia · Memories · Family · Love · Loss · Grief · Growing Up · Coming of Age · American Literature