The Yellowbird
This poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of childhood innocence. It describes a yellow bird that has flown away, leaving behind memories of its presence in the speaker's life. The poem explores themes of loss, longing, and the bittersweet passage of youth into adulthood.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature · 124 words
First lines
Hey! my little Yellowbird, What you doing there? Like a flashing sun-ray, Flitting everywhere: Dangling down the tall weeds And the hollyhocks, And the lordly sunflowers Along the garden-walks.
Ho! my gallant Golden-bill, Pecking 'mongst the weeds, You must have for breakfast Golden flower-seeds: Won't you tell a little fellow What you have for _tea_? - 'Spect a peck o' yellow, mellow Pippin on the tree.
What this Textopian page supports
The Yellowbird is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature
- Length: 124 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The First Bluebird by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Katydids by James Whitcomb Riley
- Money And Fireflies by Oliver Herford
- A Few Of The Bird Family by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Tree Toad by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Candy Country by Louisa May Alcott
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The playful tone and simple language suggest it is intended for a young audience.
- Nature — The imagery and focus on birds and garden elements highlight themes of nature.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nostalgia · Nature · Imagination · Fantasy · Adventure · Friendship · Growing Up · Coming of Age · Humor · Whimsy