Thinkin' Back by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic reflection on childhood memories and the passing of time. It explores the speaker's recollections of their youth and the ways in which it has shaped their perspective on life. The poem touches on themes of nostalgia, memory, and the human experience.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Reflective · 419 words
First lines
I've ben thinkin' back, of late, / S'prisin'! -- And I'm here to state / I'm suspicious it's a sign / Of _age_, maybe, or decline / Of my faculties, -- and yit / I'm not _feelin'_ old a bit -- / Any more than sixty-four / Ain't no _young_ man any more!
Thinkin' back's a thing 'at grows / On a feller, I suppose -- / Older 'at he gits, i jack, / More he keeps a-thinkin' back!
What this Textopian page supports
Thinkin' Back is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nostalgia, Reflective, Humor, Regional
- Length: 419 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Thinkin' Back by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
- He And I by James Whitcomb Riley
- An Old Settlers Story by James Whitcomb Riley
- My Dancin Days Is Over by James Whitcomb Riley
- My Conscience by James Whitcomb Riley
- Right Here At Home by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Backward Look by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about the past and childhood memories.
- Reflective — The narrative reflects on personal experiences and the passage of time.
- Humor — The tone includes light-hearted and humorous elements, especially in the depiction of childhood antics.
Tags
Autobiography · Memoir · Poetry · Indiana · Regionalism · Nostalgia · Childhood · Coming of Age · Literary Nonfiction · American Literature · 19th Century · Rural Life