An Outdoor Reception
The poem describes a summer evening scene where people gather outdoors to socialize and enjoy the company of each other. The speaker reflects on the beauty of nature and the joy of human connection in this setting. The poem highlights the importance of community, friendship, and the simple pleasures in life. It is a nostalgic and idyllic portrayal of rural New England life during the 19th century.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1848 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 838 words
First lines
The substance of these lines, hastily pencilled several years ago, I find among such of my unprinted scraps as have escaped the waste-basket and the fire. In transcribing it I have made some changes, additions, and omissions.
On these green banks, where falls too soon The shade of Autumn's afternoon, The south wind blowing soft and sweet, The water gliding at nay feet, The distant northern range uplit By the slant sunshine over it, With changes of the mountain mist From tender blush to amethyst, The valley's stretch of shade and gleam Fair as in Mirza's Bagdad dream, With glad young faces smiling near And merry voices in my ear, I sit, methinks, as Hafiz might In Iran's Garden of Delight.
What this Textopian page supports
An Outdoor Reception is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1848 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: 1848 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Pastoral Poetry, Reflective Poetry
- Length: 838 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and seasonal changes highlight the beauty of nature.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of youth, beauty, and the passage of time align with the ideals of Romanticism.
- Pastoral Poetry — The setting and focus on rural life and simplicity reflect pastoral elements.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Romance · Friendship · Love · Seasonal · Autumn · Harvest · Festive · Social · Gathering · Outdoor