Release date is 2005-05-19

Etext produced by "Teary Eyes" Anderson

HTML file produced by David Widger


TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:

Most of this etext was made with a "Top Scan" text scanner, with a bit
of correcting here and there. Mr. Riley does spell pretty=purty and
such things and have been left as printed, including the first poem
in this book listed as "Proem" on both the contents page and the
page headers, even though in later editions this poem is simply called
"Afterwhiles." In "The South Wind and the Sun" the line is 'Laughed out in
every look.' while in later versions it has the word 'nook', replacing
'look.' The poem "Old Aunt Mary's" is later retitled "Out To Old Aunt
Mary's" and later enlarged by 13 verses. The "In Dalect" section has the '
to replace a letter that he left out, to make the word sound a certain way,
including words like sure-enuff he writes as sho'-nuff, or He'pless as
helpless and ect. This etext is based on the 1898 edition Published by The
Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis Publishers. "Teary Eyes" Anderson***

"Afterwhiles" by James Whitcomb Riley is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. The work encapsulates various themes, including nostalgia, love, and the simple joys of rural life, often expressed through a heartfelt lens that connects with tradition and family. The poems tend to reflect a wholesome, sentimental view of life, making them relatable and emotionally engaging. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the concept of "Afterwhiles," a term that suggests a longing for future simplicity and peace, evoking personal memories and the desire for reconciliation. The first poem, a "Proem," reflects on life’s journey toward cherished places and moments, punctuated by a sense of tranquility found in nature and family. It then weaves through various snapshots of rural living, such as the character of Herr Weiser, who represents serene country life, and the longings expressed in other poems about lost loves and dreams, hinting at the common threads of longing and connection that will be elaborated upon throughout the collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified