When it Rains by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of melancholy and nostalgia that comes with the changing seasons. It describes a rainy day as a time for introspection and reminiscence, where one's thoughts are consumed by memories of past joys and loves. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of loss, but also finds solace in the beauty of the rain and the peace it brings.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Nature · 270 words
First lines
When it rains, and with the rain / Never bird has heart to sing, / And across the window-pane / Is no sunlight glimmering; / When the pitiless refrain / Brings a tremor to the lips, / Our tears are like the rain / As it drips, drips, drips -- / Like the sad, unceasing rain as it drips.
When the light of heaven's blue / Is blurred and blotted quite, / And the dreary day to you / Is but a long twilight; / When it seems that ne'er again / Shall the sun break its eclipse, / Our tears are like the rain / As it drips, drips, drips -- / Like the endless, friendless rain as it drips.
What this Textopian page supports
When it Rains 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, Nature, Inspirational
- Length: 270 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for When it Rains 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 a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Nature — The poem uses natural imagery, particularly rain, to convey its themes and emotions.
- Inspirational — The poem offers a message of hope and resilience, encouraging a positive outlook despite adversity.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Rain · Weather · Seasonal · Mood · Atmosphere · Emotional · Reflective · Contemplative · Solitude · Isolation