The Rain. (Rhymes of Rainy Days)
This poem describes a rainy day and the speaker's nostalgia for childhood memories associated with rain. The speaker recalls playing outside on rainy days, splashing in puddles, and watching raindrops fall from eaves. The poem also touches on the idea that rain can be melancholic, evoking feelings of sadness and longing.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Melancholy · 272 words
First lines
I. The rain! the rain! the rain! It gushed from the skies and streamed Like awful tears; and the sick man thought How pitiful it seemed! And he turned his face away, And stared at the wall again, His hopes nigh dead and his heart worn out. O the rain! the rain! the rain!
II. The rain! the rain! the rain! And the broad stream brimmed the shores; And ever the river crept over the reeds And the roots of the sycamores: A corpse swirled by in a drift Where the boat had snapt its chain -- And a hoarse-voiced mother shrieked and raved. O the rain! the rain! the rain!
What this Textopian page supports
The Rain. (Rhymes of Rainy Days) 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, Nature, Melancholy, Romantic, Dramatic
- Length: 272 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verses and stanzas, employing rhyme and meter, which are characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The recurring theme of rain and its impact on the environment and people highlights a focus on natural elements.
- Melancholy — The tone and imagery convey a sense of sadness and reflection, particularly in the depiction of the sick man and the corpse.
- Romantic — The depiction of the new-made man and wife enjoying the rain suggests a romantic element.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nostalgia · Nature · Weather · Rhyme · Verse · Classic · American Literature · 19th Century · Humor · Whimsy