The Orchard Lands of Long Ago
This collection of poetry explores the nostalgia and longing for a simpler time in rural America. The poems evoke a sense of idyllic childhood memories and the passing of time. They often focus on themes of nature, family, and community, with a strong emphasis on the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Nostalgia · 277 words
First lines
The orchard lands of Long Ago!
O drowsy winds, awake, and blow The snowy blossoms back to me, And all the buds that used to be!
Blow back along the grassy ways Of truant feet, and lift the haze Of happy summer from the trees That trail their tresses in the seas Of grain that float and overflow The orchard lands of Long Ago!
Blow back the melody that slips In lazy laughter from the lips That marvel much if any kiss Is sweeter than the apple's is.
What this Textopian page supports
The Orchard Lands of Long Ago 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: Poetry, Pastoral, Nostalgia, Romanticism
- Length: 277 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- A Wraith Of Summertime by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Old Home By The Mill 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, meter, and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Pastoral — The themes revolve around nature, rural life, and an idealized vision of the countryside, typical of pastoral literature.
- Nostalgia — The text evokes a longing for the past and memories of a simpler, idyllic time, central to nostalgic literature.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and beauty aligns with the principles of Romantic literature.
Tags
Nostalgia · Poetry · Rural Life · American Literature · 19th Century · Autobiographical Elements · Childhood Memories · Nature Descriptions · Orchard Settings · Seasonal Themes · Summer Days · Youthful Innocence