When the Hearse Comes Back
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. It describes a hearse returning to a town after a funeral procession has passed through it, symbolizing the return of death to the community. The speaker reflects on how death affects people's lives, causing them to re-evaluate their priorities and relationships.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Reflection · 617 words
First lines
A thing 'at's 'bout as tryin' as a healthy man kin meet Is some poor feller's funeral a-joggin' 'long the street: The slow hearse and the hosses -- slow enough, to say the least, Fer to even tax the patience of the gentleman deceased! The low scrunch of the gravel -- and the slow grind of the wheels, -- The low, slow go of ev'ry woe 'at ev'rybody feels! So I ruther like the contrast when I hear the whiplash crack A quickstep fer the hosses, When the Hearse Comes Back!
What this Textopian page supports
When the Hearse Comes Back is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Reflection, Social Commentary
- Length: 617 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for When the Hearse Comes Back 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 When the Hearse Comes Back?
- How does this short story by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Dost O Blues Ragweed And Fennel by James Whitcomb Riley
- Friend Of A Wayward Hour by James Whitcomb Riley
- Burning Drift Wood by John Greenleaf Whittier
- From The Headboard Of A Grave In Paraguay by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Forgotten Grave by Emily Dickinson
- The Funeral Of Torrey by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses a light-hearted tone and humor to address the somber topic of funerals.
- Reflection — The poem reflects on life, death, and societal customs, offering personal insights and observations.
- Social Commentary — The poem comments on societal attitudes towards death and the rituals surrounding funerals.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Death · Mortality · Funeral · Horse-Drawn Carriage · Rural Setting · Nostalgia · Sentimental · Melancholy · Symbolism