Uncle Mart's Poem. the Old Snow-Man
The poem describes a snowman that has been left to melt and decay, symbolizing the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of beauty. The poem explores themes of mortality, nostalgia, and the transience of human experience.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Humor · 1,196 words
First lines
Ho! the old Snow-Man That Noey Bixler made!
He looked as fierce and sassy As a soldier on parade! -- 'Cause Noey, when he made him, While we all wuz gone, you see, He made him, jist a-purpose, Jist as fierce as he could be! -- But when we all got _ust_ to him, Nobody wuz afraid Of the old Snow-Man That Noey Bixler made!
What this Textopian page supports
Uncle Mart's Poem. the Old Snow-Man 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: Children's Literature, Poetry, Humor, Folk, Seasonal
- Length: 1,196 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Uncle Mart's Poem. the Old Snow-Man by James Whitcomb Riley
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem features a playful and imaginative story about a snowman created by a child, appealing to a young audience.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and rhythm, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem contains lighthearted and whimsical elements, such as the exaggerated fierceness of the snowman.
- Folk — The narrative style and setting evoke a sense of rural life and community storytelling.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nostalgia · Winter · Snow · Imagination · Fantasy · Rural Setting · Family · Grandfather Figure · Storytelling · Verse