The Old Swimmin'-Hole
This poem is a nostalgic and idyllic portrayal of childhood summers spent at a rural swimming hole. The speaker reminisces about the carefree days of youth, when the only concerns were how to catch fish and avoid getting caught by adults. The poem's tone is one of wistful longing for a lost innocence and simplicity.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Pastoral · 579 words
First lines
Oh! the old swimmin'-hole! whare the crick so still and deep Looked like a baby-river that was laying half asleep, And the gurgle of the worter round the drift jest below Sounded like the laugh of something we onc't ust to know Before we could remember anything but the eyes Of the angels lookin' out as we left Paradise; But the merry days of youth is beyond our controle, And it's hard to part ferever with the old swimmin'-hole.
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Swimmin'-Hole is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nostalgia, Pastoral, Sentimental, American Regionalism
- Length: 579 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Old Swimmin'-Hole by James Whitcomb Riley
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Old Swimmin'-Hole?
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Similar titles
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- The Days Gone By by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Old Days by James Whitcomb Riley
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- The Old Times Were The Best by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about the past and longing for the simplicity and joy of youth.
- Pastoral — The setting and imagery evoke rural life and nature, typical of pastoral literature.
- Sentimental — The emotional tone is reflective and sentimental, focusing on personal feelings and memories.
Tags
Nostalgia · Poetry · American Literature · Childhood Memories · Swimming Holes · Summer Fun · Rural Life · Indiana Setting · Regionalism · Folk Culture · Storytelling · Verse Form