The Way it Wuz. (Ragweed and Fennel)
This poem collection explores themes of nostalgia, rural life, and the passing of time through a series of vignettes that evoke a sense of simplicity and innocence. The poems often focus on the natural world and the experiences of children growing up in a small town. They are characterized by their use of dialect and folkloric elements, which add to their nostalgic and idyllic tone.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Narrative, Humor · 760 words
First lines
Las' July -- an', I persume 'Bout as hot As the ole Gran'-Jury room Where they sot! -- Fight 'twixt Mike an' Dock McGriff -- 'Pears to me jes' like as if I'd a dremp' the whole blame thing -- Allus ha'nts me roun' the gizzard When they're nightmares on the wing, An' a feller's blood's jes' friz! Seed the row from a to izzard -- 'Cause I wuz a-standin' as clost to 'em As me an' you is!
Tell you the way it wuz -- An' I do n't want to see, Like _some_ fellers does, When they 're goern to be Any kind o' fuss -- On'y makes a rumpus wuss Far to interfere When their dander's riz -- But I wuz a-standin' as clost to 'em As me an' you is!
What this Textopian page supports
The Way it Wuz. (Ragweed and Fennel) 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, Narrative, Humor, Regionalism, Drama
- Length: 760 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- What They Said by James Whitcomb Riley
- Writin Back To The Home Folks by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Way It Wuz by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Prior To Miss Belles Appearance by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, characteristic of poetry.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story with a clear sequence of events, involving characters and a setting.
- Humor — The use of dialect and the exaggerated depiction of events suggest a humorous tone.
- Regionalism — The use of dialect and specific cultural references indicate a focus on a particular region and its characteristics.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Humorous Verse · Rural Life · Nostalgia · Childhood Memories · Indiana Setting · Regionalism · Folk Culture · Satire · Social Commentary · Language Play