James Whitcomb Riley

James Whitcomb Riley was an American poet known for his dialect verses and nostalgic depictions of rural Indiana life. His work often celebrated childhood innocence and homespun wisdom. Biography ↓More ↓

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There Was a Cherry-Tree

There was a cherry-tree. Its bloomy snows Cool even now the fevered sight that knows No more its airy visions of pure joy -- As when you were a boy. There was a cherry-tree. The Bluejay sat His blue against its white -- O blue as jet He seemed there then!-- But now -- Whoever knew He was so pale a blue! There was a cherry-tree -- our child-eyes saw The miracle:-- Its pure white snows did thaw Into a crimson fruitage, far too sweet But for a boy to eat. There was a cherry-tree, give thanks and joy!-- There was a bloom of snow -- There was a boy -- There was a bluejay of the realest blue -- And fruit for both of you.

Biography

James Whitcomb Riley was an American poet from Indiana, often referred to as the Hoosier Poet. He gained widespread popularity in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for his poems written in the dialect of his home state. His poetry frequently portrayed scenes of rural domesticity, the lives of children, and the trials and joys of ordinary people. Collections such as “The Old Swimmin’ Hole” and “Rhymes of Childhood” contain his most enduring characters, including the Raggedy Man and Little Orphant Annie. Riley’s accessible, sentimental style and frequent public readings made him a widely popular figure in American literature. His influence helped shape a genre of regional American poetry that valued local color and dialect. He is remembered as one of the most popular poets of his era, whose verses continue to be recited in schools and homes.

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