Who Bides his Time by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of patience and waiting, describing a person who bides his time with equanimity, observing life's events unfold around him. The speaker reflects on the passing of seasons, the changing of nature, and the inevitability of fate, all while maintaining a sense of calm and detachment.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 232 words
First lines
Who bides his time, and day by day / Faces defeat full patiently, / And lifts a mirthful roundelay, / However poor his fortunes be -- , / He will not fail in any qualm / Of poverty -- the paltry dime / It will grow golden in his palm, / Who bides his time.
Who bides his time -- he tastes the sweet / Of honey in the saltest tear; / And though he fares with slowest feet, / Joy runs to meet him, drawing near; / The birds are heralds of his cause; / And like a never-ending rhyme, / The roadsides bloom in his applause, / Who bides his time.
Similar titles
- When Age Comes On by James Whitcomb Riley
- Look Back On Time With Kindly Eyes by Emily Dickinson
- Triumphant by Emily Dickinson
- A Book by Emily Dickinson
- Finale by Madison Cawein
- Requirement by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on patience, perseverance, and finding joy in adversity, which are common in inspirational literature.
- Philosophical — The text explores philosophical ideas about time, patience, and the nature of success.
- Motivational — The work encourages readers to remain steadfast and optimistic, typical of motivational writing.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Mortality · Time · Patience · Fate · Free Verse · Rural Setting · Farmer's Life
What this Textopian page supports
Who Bides his Time is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Motivational
- Length: 232 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Who Bides his Time by James Whitcomb Riley
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