Greeting by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem explores the theme of a speaker's introspection and self-awareness as they reflect on their life and relationships. The speaker describes a moment of clarity where they realize that their actions have consequences and that they must take responsibility for their choices. The poem also touches on the idea of regret and the importance of living in the present moment.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1850 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Reflective Poetry · 229 words
First lines
I spread a scanty board too late; The old-time guests for whom I wait Come few and slow, methinks, to-day. Ah! who could hear my messages Across the dim unsounded seas On which so many have sailed away!
Come, then, old friends, who linger yet, And let us meet, as we have met, Once more beneath this low sunshine; And grateful for the good we 've known, The riddles solved, the ills outgrown, Shake bands upon the border line.
The favor, asked too oft before, From your indulgent ears, once more I crave, and, if belated lays To slower, feebler measures move, The silent, sympathy of love To me is dearer now than praise.
What this Textopian page supports
Greeting is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1850 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: 1850 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Reflective Poetry, Nature Poetry, Spiritual Poetry
- Length: 229 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for 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 Greeting?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Day by John Greenleaf Whittier
- When Age Comes On by James Whitcomb Riley
- Out Of Reach by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Waiting by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Before The Ice Is In The Pools by Emily Dickinson
- The Hill Top by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nostalgia, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Reflective Poetry — The poem reflects on past experiences and relationships, inviting contemplation.
- Nature Poetry — Imagery of the natural world and its connection to human emotions is prevalent.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Seasonal · Autumn · Reflection · Meditation · Philosophy · Existentialism · Spirituality · Faith