Still I Love to Rhyme

Name: Still I Love to Rhyme
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The work explores the enduring love for poetry and the creative process of writing. It reflects on the joy of rhyming and the desire to escape from conventional paths. The speaker expresses a longing for inspiration from ancient muses, seeking to connect with the timeless beauty of past verses. There is a sense of nostalgia for the simplicity and purity of nature, as well as a recognition of the struggle inherent in artistic expression. The speaker contrasts the genuine pursuit of art with the motivations of those who write solely for fame or financial gain. This tension highlights the difference between authentic creativity and commercialism in literature. The imagery evokes a sense of wonder and reverence for the craft, suggesting that true artistry transcends mere survival and is rooted in a deeper connection to the world and its history. Throughout the verses, there is a celebration of the natural world, with references to the sun, birds, and ancient temples, symbolizing the harmony between nature and artistic inspiration. The work ultimately champions the idea that poetry is a vital, living force that continues to resonate across time, inviting both the writer and the reader to engage with its beauty and complexity.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 176 words

First lines

STILL I love to rhyme, and still more, rhyming, to wander Far from the commoner way; Old-time trills and falls by the brook-side still do I ponder, Dreaming to-morrow to-day.

Come here, come, revive me, Sun-God, teach me, Apollo, Measures descanted before; Since I ancient verses, I emulous follow, Prints in the marbles of yore.

Still strange, strange, they sound in old-young raiment invested, Songs for the brain to forget- Young song-birds elate to grave old temples benested Piping and chirruping yet.

Thoughts? No thought has yet unskilled attempted to flutter Trammelled so vilely in verse; He who writes but aims at fame and his bread and his butter, Won with a groan and a curse.

What this Textopian page supports

Still I Love to Rhyme is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1913 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1913 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Children's Literature, Philosophical
Length: 176 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of nature, nostalgia, and individual expression align with Romantic literary ideals.
Children's Literature — The playful language and rhythm appeal to a younger audience, common in children's poetry.