Writin' Back to the Home-Folks
The collection of poetry explores themes of nostalgia and longing for a simpler rural life. It reflects on the passing of time and the changing values of society. The poems often express a sense of melancholy and wistfulness, but also a deep appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of rural America.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Epistolary, Regionalism · 491 words
First lines
My dear old friends -- It jes beats all, The way you write a letter So's ever' _last_ line beats the _first_, And ever' _next_-un's better! -- W'y, ever' fool-thing you putt down You make so inte_rest_in', A feller, readin' of 'em all, Can't tell which is the _best_-un.
It's all so comfortin' and good, 'Pears-like I almost _hear_ ye And git more sociabler, you know, And hitch my cheer up near ye And jes smile on ye like the sun Acrosst the whole per-rairies In Aprile when the thaw's begun And country couples marries.
What this Textopian page supports
Writin' Back to the Home-Folks 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, Epistolary, Regionalism, Sentimental, Humor
- Length: 491 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Boys by James Whitcomb Riley
- Folks At Lonesomeville by James Whitcomb Riley
- Brudder Sims by James Whitcomb Riley
- In Bohemia Rhymes Of Rainy Days by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Plaint Human by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Epistolary — The content is presented as a letter to friends, fitting the epistolary genre.
- Regionalism — The language and themes reflect a specific regional dialect and culture.
- Sentimental — The themes focus on nostalgia, friendship, and emotional connections.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Humor · Satire · Regionalism · Indiana · Midwestern · Rural Life · Folk Culture · Nostalgia · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age