The Noble Old Elm
This poem is a nostalgic tribute to a majestic old elm tree that has stood the test of time and witnessed the joys and sorrows of generations. The speaker reflects on the tree's enduring presence in their life, recalling memories of childhood games played beneath its branches and the comfort it provided during times of sorrow.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Family · 296 words
First lines
O big old tree, so tall an' fine, Where all us childern swings an' plays, Though neighbers says you're on the line Between Pa's house an' Mr. Gray's, -- Us childern used to almost fuss, Old Tree, about you when we 'd play. -- We'd argy you belonged to _us_, An' them Gray-kids the other way!
Till _Elsie_, one time _she_ wuz here An' playin' wiv us -- Don't you mind, Old Mister Tree? -- an' purty near She scolded us the hardest kind Fer quar'llin' 'bout you thataway, An' say _she'll_ find -- ef we'll keep still -- Whose tree you air _fer shore_, she say, An' settle it _fer good_, she will!
What this Textopian page supports
The Noble Old Elm 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: Children's Literature, Poetry, Family, Nature, Humor
- Length: 296 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Noble Old Elm by James Whitcomb Riley
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem centers around children playing and interacting with a tree, reflecting themes and language suitable for a young audience.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Family — The narrative involves familial relationships and interactions between children and their parents.
- Nature — The central focus on the tree and its significance to the children highlights themes of nature and the environment.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Nostalgia · Sentimental · Autobiographical · Childhood · Memories · Elm Tree · Symbolism · Literary Classic · American Literature · 19th Century