Riley

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    His Birthday, October the 7th, 1912     Riley, whose pen has made the world your debtor,     Whose Art has kept you young through sixty years,     Brimming our hearts with laughter and with tears,     Holding her faith pure to the very letter:     We come to you today, both man and woman,     And happy little children, girl and boy,     To laurel you with all our love and joy,     And crown you for the dreams your pen made human:     For Orphant Annie and for Old Aunt Mary,     The Raggedty Man, who never will grow older,     And all the kindly folks from Griggsby's Station,     Immortal throngs, with Spirk and Wunk and Faery,     Who swarm behind you, peering o'er your shoulder,     Sharing with you the blessings of a Nation.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem serves as a heartwarming tribute to an evidently beloved figure, likely a writer given the reverence for his pen. The poet utilizes a measured, formal structure, and the tone throughout is one of deep respect and affection, giving the piece a sense of ceremony and celebration. The poet's choice to include specific characters like Orphant Annie, Old Aunt Mary, and the Raggedty Man suggests the importance of storytelling in the subject's work, emphasizing the impact these stories have had on a wide audience, from 'happy little children' to adults.

The overarching themes are recognition, gratitude, and the power of words. The phrase 'whose pen has made the world your debtor,' underscores the profound influence of the subject's writing. The poem also highlights the communal aspect of storytelling, as seen in the lines 'Who swarm behind you, peering o'er your shoulder, / Sharing with you the blessings of a Nation.' These lines encapsulate both the intimacy and the expansiveness of the subject's influence, suggesting that his work has become a shared, national treasure. Through simple yet evocative language, the poet successfully communicates a rich sense of admiration, gratitude, and shared joy.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.