A Delicious Interruption

By James Whitcomb Riley

Narrative Poem
    All were quite gracious in their plaudits of     Bud's Fairy; but another stir above     That murmur was occasioned by a sweet     Young lady-caller, from a neighboring street,     Who rose reluctantly to say good-night     To all the pleasant friends and the delight     Experienced, - as she had promised sure     To be back home by nine. Then paused, demure,     And wondered was it very dark. - Oh, no! -     She had come by herself and she could go     Without an escort. Ah, you sweet girls all!     What young gallant but comes at such a call,     Your most abject of slaves! Why, there were three     Young men, and several men of family,     Contesting for the honor - which at last     Was given to Cousin Rufus; and he cast     A kingly look behind him, as the pair     Vanished with laughter in the darkness there.     As order was restored, with everything     Suggestive, in its way, of "romancing,"     Some one observed that now would be the chance     For Noey to relate a circumstance     That he - the very specious rumor went -     Had been eye-witness of, by accident.     Noey turned pippin-crimson; then turned pale     As death; then turned to flee, without avail. -     "There! head him off! Now! hold him in his chair! -     Tell us the Serenade-tale, now, Noey. - There!"

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
Wharton's The Serenade captures the playful yet charged social dynamics of a gathering where polite conventions barely contain simmering tensions. The poem's opening lines establish a scene of effusive praise for a performance, only to pivot abruptly to the departure of a young woman, whose reluctance to leave sparks a flurry of masculine attention. The speaker's wry observation What young gallant but comes at such a call undercuts the chivalry of the suitors, revealing their eagerness as performative rather than genuine. The selection of Cousin Rufus as her escort, marked by his kingly look, underscores the ritualized nature of these interactions, where status and propriety dictate behavior. The poem then shifts to another moment of social pressure, as Noey is cornered into recounting a story he wishes to avoid. His physical reactions flushing, paling, attempting escape contrast with the group's insistence, exposing the coercive undercurrents of communal entertainment. Wharton deftly balances humor and critique, revealing how social norms both facilitate and constrain individual agency.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.