To Lesley by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic and sentimental tribute to a woman named Lesley, who has passed away. The speaker reflects on their past relationship with her, recalling happy memories and expressing regret for the loss of their time together. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with a focus on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human connection.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Pastoral · 163 words
First lines
Burns sang of bonny Lesley As she gaed o'er the border, -- Gaed like vain Alexander, To spread her conquests farther.
I sing another Lesley, Wee girlie, more alluring, Who stays at home, the wise one, Her conquests there securing.
A queen, too, is my Lesley, And gracious, though blood-royal, My heart her throne, her kingdom, And I a subject loyal.
Long shall you reign, my Lesley, My pet, my darling dearie, For love, oh, little sweetheart, Grows never old or weary.
What this Textopian page supports
To Lesley is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Pastoral, Literary
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — The themes revolve around love and admiration, typical of romantic literature.
- Pastoral — The poem references a simple, idyllic lifestyle, often associated with pastoral themes.
- Literary — The work employs literary devices and allusions, indicating a focus on artistic expression.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Romance · Nature · Love · Friendship · Nostalgia · Sentimental · Whimsical · Imagery · Symbolism