The Old Hay-Mow
The story revolves around a young boy who spends his summer vacation on a farm. He lives with his grandparents and helps with the chores. The boy's favorite place to rest is in an old hay-mow, where he can watch the sunset and daydream about his future. As the summer progresses, the boy learns valuable lessons about responsibility, hard work, and the importance of family. He also develops a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, such as watching the stars at night and listening to the sounds of nature. The story is a nostalgic portrayal of rural life in the late 19th century, highlighting the beauty and simplicity of a bygone era.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Nostalgia, Humor · 262 words
First lines
The Old Hay-mow's the place to play Fer boys, when it's a rainy day!
I good-'eal ruther be up there Than down in town, er anywhere!
When I play in our stable-loft, The good old hay's so dry an' soft, An' feels so fine, an' smells so sweet, I 'most ferget to go an' eat.
An' one time wunst I _did_ ferget To go 'tel dinner was all et, -- An' they had short-cake -- an' -- Bud he Hogged up the piece Ma saved fer me!
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Hay-Mow 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 Poetry, Nostalgia, Humor, Domestic Life
- Length: 262 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Old Hay-Mow by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Children's Poetry — The work is a poem that captures the playful and imaginative world of children, focusing on their activities and interactions.
- Nostalgia — The poem evokes a sense of nostalgia for childhood experiences and simpler times, emphasizing the joy and innocence of youth.
- Humor — The playful language and humorous situations, such as forgetting to eat and sibling rivalry, add a lighthearted tone to the poem.
- Domestic Life — The setting and activities described are centered around home life and family interactions, reflecting everyday domestic experiences.
Tags
Poetry · Nostalgia · Rural Life · Childhood Memories · Autobiographical · Indiana Setting · Farm Life · Simple Living · Nature Imagery · Seasonal Themes · Summer · Youthful Innocence