A Greeting
The poem describes a moment of introspection and self-awareness, where the speaker reflects on their life's journey and the choices they have made. It is a contemplative piece that explores themes of regret, longing, and the passage of time. The tone is melancholic and nostalgic, with a focus on the speaker's emotional state rather than external events.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1826 · Genre: Poetry, Tribute, Historical · 440 words
First lines
Read at Harriet Beecher Stowe's seventieth anniversary, June 14, 1882, at a garden party at ex-Governor Claflin's in Newtonville, Mass.
Thrice welcome from the Land of Flowers And golden-fruited orange bowers To this sweet, green-turfed June of ours! To her who, in our evil time, Dragged into light the nation's crime With strength beyond the strength of men, And, mightier than their swords, her pen! To her who world-wide entrance gave To the log-cabin of the slave; Made all his wrongs and sorrows known, And all earth's languages his own, -- North, South, and East and West, made all The common air electrical, Until the o'ercharged bolts of heaven Blazed down, and every chain was riven!
What this Textopian page supports
A Greeting is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1826 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1826 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tribute, Historical, Inspirational, Literary
- Length: 440 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Greeting by John Greenleaf Whittier
- 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 A Greeting?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Thanksgiving Day by Emily Dickinson
- Utterance by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Text by James Whitcomb Riley
- Written In Germany On One Of The Coldest Days Of The Century by William Wordsworth
- Riley by Madison Cawein
- Above The Vales by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Tribute — The content serves as a tribute to an influential figure, celebrating her contributions and legacy.
- Historical — The themes reflect historical context, particularly regarding social issues and the fight for freedom.
- Inspirational — The tone and message aim to inspire and uplift, focusing on themes of love, honor, and remembrance.
Tags
Poem · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Seasonal Theme · Autumn · Harvest · Friendship · Love Poem · Romanticism · Symbolism · Imagery