Why by James Whitcomb Riley (1887)
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. It describes a rural landscape where children play freely and are cared for by their community. The speaker reflects on the passing of childhood and the loss of innocence that comes with growing up.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 305 words
First lines
Why are they written -- all these lovers' rhymes? I catch faint perfumes of the blossoms white That maidens drape their tresses with at night, And, through dim smiles of beauty and the din Of the musicians' harp and violin, I hear, enwound and blended with the dance, The voice whose echo is this utterance, -- Why are they written -- all these lovers' rhymes?
What this Textopian page supports
Why 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, Romance, Philosophical, Melancholic
- Length: 305 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and lovers' expressions, characteristic of the romance genre.
- Philosophical — The repeated questioning of the purpose of lovers' rhymes suggests a deeper philosophical inquiry into the nature of love and expression.
- Melancholic — The tone and imagery convey a sense of longing and sadness, aligning with melancholic themes.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mystery · Questioning · Inquiry · Reason · Logic · Rhetoric · Argumentation · Dialectic · Critical Thinking