The Touches of her Hands
This poem is a nostalgic and sentimental tribute to the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human connection. It describes the speaker's memories of a woman's gentle touch, which has left an indelible mark on their life. The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet passage of time.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric · 213 words
First lines
The touches of her hands are like the fall Of velvet snowflakes; like the touch of down The peach just brushes 'gainst the garden wall; The flossy fondling of the thistle-wisp Caught in the crinkle of a leaf of brown The blighting frost hath turned from green to crisp.
Soft as the falling of the dusk at night, The touches of her hands, and the delight -- The touches of her hands!
The touches of her hands are like the dew That falls so softly down no one e'er knew The touch thereof save lovers like to one Astray in lights where ranged Endymion.
What this Textopian page supports
The Touches of her Hands is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric, Nature, Fantasy
- Length: 213 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — The themes of love and beauty are central, with a focus on the gentle and tender qualities of a beloved's touch.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and feelings, typical of lyric poetry, with an emphasis on the sensory experience.
- Nature — The poem uses natural imagery, such as snowflakes and dew, to convey the softness and delicacy of touch.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Nature · Imagery · Sensuality · Tenderness · Intimacy · Emotional · Vivid · Descriptive · Symbolic