The Tree-Toad. (Rhymes of Rainy Days)
This poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of childhood innocence. It describes a tree-toad that has grown old and wise, but also lonely and disconnected from its former self. The speaker reminisces about the carefree days of youth when they would play with the toad, now lost in the mists of memory.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor · 313 words
First lines
"Scurious-like," said the tree-toad, "I've twittered far rain all day; And I got up soon, And I hollered till noon -- But the sun, hit blazed away, Till I jest clumb down in a crawfish-hole, Weary at heart, and sick at soul!
"Dozed away far an hour, And I tackled the thing agin; And I sung, and sung, Till I knowed my lung Was jest about give in; And then, thinks I, ef hit don't rain now. There're nothin' in singin', anyhow!
What this Textopian page supports
The Tree-Toad. (Rhymes of Rainy Days) is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor, Fable
- Length: 313 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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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 language and whimsical subject matter are typical of literature aimed at children.
- Humor — The narrative employs a humorous tone, particularly in the exaggerated efforts of the tree-toad.
- Fable — The story features an anthropomorphic animal and conveys a moral about persistence.
Tags
Children's Literature · Poetry Collection · Rhyming Verse · Nostalgia · Nature Imagery · Whimsy · Fantasy Element · Tree-Toad Character · Folkloric Themes · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary