The Way it Wuz
This collection of poetry explores the nostalgia and simplicity of rural life in the American Midwest during the late 19th century. The poems often focus on childhood memories, nature, and the passing of time. They are written in a folksy, conversational style that evokes a sense of warmth and familiarity.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1880 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Humor, Regionalism · 742 words
First lines
Las' July -- and, I persume, 'Bout as hot As the old Gran'-Jury room Whare they sot! -- Fight 'twixt Mike and Dock McGreff. 'Pears to me jest like as ef I'd a-dremp' the whole blame thing -- Allus ha'nts me roun' the gizzard When they's nightmares on the wing And a feller's blood's jes' friz! Seed the row from A to Izzard -- 'Cause I wuz a-standin' as clos't to 'em As me and you is!
Tell you the way it wuz -- And I don't _want_ to see, Like _some_ fellers does, When they's goern to be Any kind o' fuss -- On'y makes a rumpus wuss Fer to _interfere_ When theyr dander's riz -- Might as lif to _cheer_! But I wuz a-standin' as clos't to 'em As me and you is!
What this Textopian page supports
The Way it Wuz is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Narrative Poetry, Humor, Regionalism, Drama, Realism
- Length: 742 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Way it Wuz by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Writin Back To The Home Folks by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Days Gone By by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Old Times Were The Best by James Whitcomb Riley
- When Maimie Married by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Old Days by James Whitcomb Riley
- On The Banks O Deer Crick by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Narrative Poetry — The text is a poem that tells a story with a clear sequence of events and characters.
- Humor — The writing style includes colloquial language and humorous elements, particularly in the depiction of the fight and the narrator's perspective.
- Regionalism — The use of dialect and local color reflects a specific regional setting and culture.
- Drama — The poem centers around a dramatic conflict between two characters, with tension and resolution.
Tags
Nostalgia · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Regionalism · Midwestern · Indiana · Rural Life · Folk Culture