When I do Mock by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. It describes a childhood memory of playing with a mock (a type of toy) in a rural setting. The speaker reflects on how carefree and joyful their youth was, contrasting it with the hardships and responsibilities of adulthood.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Dark Romanticism · 151 words
First lines
When I do mock the blackness of the night / With my despair-outweep the very dews / And wash my wan cheeks stark of all delight, / Denying every counsel of dear use / In mine embittered state; with infinite / Perversity, mine eyes drink in no sight / Of pleasance that nor moon nor stars refuse / In silver largess and gold twinklings bright; - / I question me what mannered brain is mine / That it doth trick me of the very food / It panteth for-the very meat and wine / That yet should plump my starved soul with good / And comfortable plethora of ease, / That I might drowse away such rhymes as these.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Dark Romanticism — Themes of despair, night, and emotional turmoil align with Dark Romanticism.
- Psychological — Explores the inner workings of the mind and emotional states.
Tags
Poetry · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Children's Literature · Nonsense Verse · Wordplay · Language Play · Rhetorical Device · Irony
What this Textopian page supports
When I do Mock 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, Lyric, Dark Romanticism, Psychological, Philosophical
- Length: 151 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
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