Writin' Back To The Home-Folks

By James Whitcomb Riley

Narrative Poem
    My dear old friends - It jes beats all,      The way you write a letter     So's ever' last line beats the first,      And ever' next-un's better! -     W'y, ever' fool-thing you putt down      You make so interestin',     A feller, readin' of 'em all,      Can't tell which is the best-un.     It's all so comfortin' and good,      'Pears-like I almost hear ye     And git more sociabler, you know,      And hitch my cheer up near ye     And jes smile on ye like the sun      Acrosst the whole per-rairies     In Aprile when the thaw's begun      And country couples marries.     It's all so good-old-fashioned like      To talk jes like we're thinkin',     Without no hidin' back o' fans      And giggle-un and winkin',     Ner sizin' how each-other's dressed -      Like some is allus doin', -     "Is Marthy Ellen's basque ben turned      Er shore-enough a new-un!" -     Er "ef Steve's city-friend haint jes      'A leetle kindo'-sorto'" -     Er "wears them-air blame eye-glasses      Jes 'cause he hadn't ort to?"     And so straight on, dad-libitum,      Tel all of us feels, someway,     Jes like our "comp'ny" wuz the best      When we git up to come 'way!     That's why I like old friends like you, -      Jes 'cause you're so abidin'. -     Ef I was built to live "fer keeps,"      My principul residin'     Would be amongst the folks 'at kep'      Me allus thinkin' of 'em,     And sorto' eechin' all the time      To tell 'em how I love 'em. -     Sich folks, you know, I jes love so      I wouldn't live without 'em,     Er couldn't even drap asleep      But what I dreamp' about 'em, -     And ef we minded God, I guess      We'd all love one-another     Jes like one fam'bly, - me and Pap      And Madaline and Mother.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
<s> Emily Dickinson’s poem, rendered in a deliberately folksy dialect, is a celebration of enduring friendship and the comfort of unguarded communication. The poem’s loose, conversational structure with its irregular meter and lack of formal rhyme mirrors the speaker’s informal, heartfelt address to their friends. The speaker’s voice is warm and nostalgic, emphasizing the simplicity and sincerity of their connection, free from the artificiality of social pretenses. The imagery shifts from the expansive warmth of the sun across the prairies to the intimate, domestic details of rural life, reinforcing the poem’s themes of familiarity and belonging. The volta occurs subtly as the speaker reflects on the absence of social posturing, contrasting the genuine affection of old friends with the superficial judgments of others. The final stanza deepens the poem’s emotional resonance, suggesting that such bonds are not only comforting but also spiritually sustaining, evoking a sense of divine unity. The poem’s power lies in its unassuming yet profound meditation on the quiet, abiding love that transcends time and circumstance.

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.