Wash Lowry's Reminiscence
The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the loss of innocence. It describes a childhood memory of a boy who has grown up and now looks back on his youth with a sense of longing and regret. The speaker recalls the joys and simplicity of childhood, but also acknowledges the inevitability of growing older and losing one's carefree spirit.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 964 words
First lines
And you're the poet of this concern?
I've seed your name in print A dozen times, but I'll be dern I'd 'a' never 'a' took the hint O' the size you are -- fer I'd pictured you A kind of a tallish man -- Dark-complected and sallor too, And on the consumpted plan.
What this Textopian page supports
Wash Lowry's Reminiscence is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Regionalism, Tragedy
- Length: 964 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Wash Lowry's Reminiscence by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Wash Lowry's Reminiscence?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Cousin Rufus Story by James Whitcomb Riley
- How It Happened by James Whitcomb Riley
- The School Boys Favorite by James Whitcomb Riley
- Up The Country by Henry Lawson
- To Myrtilla by Franklin P. Adams
- Johnsons Boy by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, which are characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The narrative employs a humorous tone, using irony and wit to describe the poet's life and the perception of poetry as a 'disease.'
- Satire — The text satirizes the romanticized view of poets and poetry, highlighting the disconnect between poetic ideals and reality.
- Regionalism — The language and setting reflect a specific regional dialect and culture, providing a sense of place and local color.
Tags
American Literature · Autobiographical Fiction · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Drama · Indiana Setting · Literary Regionalism · Memoir · Nostalgia · Poetic Prose · Rural Life · Small-Town America · Social Commentary