To Hear her Sing by James Whitcomb Riley

Name: To Hear her Sing
Author: James Whitcomb Riley

The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. It describes an old woman's singing voice, which has been silenced by age and death. The speaker recalls the beauty of her voice in the past, when it was full of life and vitality.

By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Pastoral · 313 words

First lines

To hear her sing -- to hear her sing -- / It is to hear the birds of Spring / In dewy groves on blooming sprays / Pour out their blithest roundelays.

It is to hear the robin trill / At morning, or the whip-poor-will / At dusk, when stars are blossoming -- / To hear her sing -- to hear her sing!

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To Hear her Sing is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: James Whitcomb Riley
Date: 1883 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Pastoral, Lyric, Nostalgia
Length: 313 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for To Hear her Sing by James Whitcomb Riley
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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and emotion align with the Romantic literary movement.
Pastoral — The poem evokes idyllic rural scenes and the beauty of nature, typical of pastoral literature.
Lyric — The personal and emotional expression in the poem is a hallmark of lyric poetry.