Tom Van Arden by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic tribute to a childhood friend who has moved away. It describes the speaker's memories of their time together and the pain of separation. The poem explores themes of friendship, loss, and the passing of time.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Friendship, Nostalgia · 832 words
First lines
Tom Van Arden, my old friend, / Our warm fellowship is one / Far too old to comprehend / Where its bond was first begun: / Mirage-like before my gaze / Gleams a land of other days, / Where two truant boys, astray, / Dream their lazy lives away.
There's a vision, in the guise / Of Midsummer, where the Past / Like a weary beggar lies / In the shadow Time has cast; / And as blends the bloom of trees / With the drowsy hum of bees, / Fragrant thoughts and murmurs blend, / Tom Van Arden, my old friend.
What this Textopian page supports
Tom Van Arden 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, Friendship, Nostalgia, Reflection, Romance
- Length: 832 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tom Van Arden by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Friendship — The central theme revolves around the enduring friendship between the narrator and Tom Van Arden.
- Nostalgia — The text reflects on past experiences and memories, evoking a sense of longing for earlier times.
- Reflection — The narrative includes introspective thoughts on life, love, and aging.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Indiana Author · Regionalism · Folklore · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Rural Life · Farmers · Agriculture