Wet-Weather Talk by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past time when life was simpler. It describes the speaker's memories of childhood summers spent outdoors, playing in the rain and watching the clouds roll by. The poem expresses a sense of melancholy and wistfulness as the speaker reflects on how those carefree days are now lost to adulthood and responsibility.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Humor · 535 words
First lines
It hain't no use to grumble and complane; / It's jest as cheap and easy to rejoice. -- / When God sorts out the weather and sends rain, / W'y, rain's my choice.
Men ginerly, to all intents -- / Although they're apt to grumble some -- / Puts most theyr trust in Providence, / And takes things as they come -- / That is, the commonality / Of men that's lived as long as me / Has watched the world enugh to learn / They're not the boss of this concern.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The text explores themes of acceptance and the futility of complaining, reflecting on human attitudes towards nature and fate.
- Humor — The tone is light-hearted and uses humor to convey its message about human nature and weather.
- Pastoral — The poem references rural life and farming, focusing on natural elements like weather and crops.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humor · Satire · Nature · Weather · Seasonal · Rural Life · Folk Culture · Regionalism · Midwestern United States
What this Textopian page supports
Wet-Weather Talk 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, Philosophical, Humor, Pastoral
- Length: 535 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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