To Almon Keefer. Inscribed in "Tales of the Ocea
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after years away and becomes infatuated with the sea. He begins to spend more time at the ocean, learning about its power and majesty. As he delves deeper into the world of the sea, he starts to see parallels between the ocean's rhythms and the cycles of life on land. The narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human relationship with nature.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1871 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Friendship · 253 words
First lines
This first book that I ever knew / Was read aloud to me by you -- / Friend of my boyhood, therefore take / It back from me, for old times' sake -- / The selfsame "Tales" first read to me, / Under "the old sweet apple tree," / Ere I myself could read such great / Big words, -- but listening all elate, / At your interpreting, until / Brain, heart and soul were all athrill / With wonder, awe, and sheer excess / Of wildest childish happiness.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about childhood and past experiences.
- Friendship — The text is addressed to a friend, highlighting the bond and shared memories.
- Sentimental — The emotional tone is reflective and sentimental, focusing on personal memories and emotions.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Tales of the Ocean · Sea Stories · Nautical Fiction · Short Story Anthology · Classic American Literature · Indiana Author · Midwestern Literature · Regionalism · Folklore
What this Textopian page supports
To Almon Keefer. Inscribed in "Tales of the Ocean" is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1871 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: 1871 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nostalgia, Friendship, Sentimental, Literary
- Length: 253 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for To Almon Keefer. Inscribed in "Tales of the Ocean" by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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