The Rider of the Knee
This poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on lost youth and innocence. It describes the speaker's memories of a childhood companion who has grown up and moved away, leaving behind only a lingering sense of longing and regret. The poem explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passing of time.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 134 words
First lines
Knightly Rider of the Knee Of Proud-prancing Unclery!
Gaily mount, and wave the sign Of that mastery of thine.
Pat thy steed and turn him free, Knightly Rider of the Knee!
Sit thy charger as a throne -- Lash him with thy laugh alone:
What this Textopian page supports
The Rider of the Knee is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Humor
- Length: 134 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Rider of the Knee by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The playful and imaginative tone, along with the theme of a child riding on an adult's knee, aligns with children's literature.
- Fantasy — The imaginative depiction of a child as a 'Knightly Rider' suggests elements of fantasy.
- Humor — The lighthearted and whimsical nature of the narrative conveys a sense of humor.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Folklore · Mythology · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature · Rural Life · Farmers · Agriculture · Seasonal Change