
Through a series of gently flowing verses, the narrator wanders the quiet corners of his mind, recalling an old sweetheart whose presence lingers like the scent of tobacco smoke in a dimly lit study. The poetry weaves together childhood games, schoolyard kisses, and the soft murmur of family voices, creating a tapestry of golden afternoons and wistful evenings. Vivid images of lily‑white dresses, blooming vines, and the steady rhythm of a school bell bring the past to life, while the speaker’s introspection invites listeners to share in his tender nostalgia.
The collection balances light humor with heartfelt reverence, exploring how memory flavors the present like a well‑aged wine. Its lyrical cadence and warm, homespun language make each piece feel like a quiet conversation with an old friend. Listeners will find comfort in the blend of real and imagined moments, as the poet gently reminds us that love, even when softened by time, remains a comforting presence.
Language
en
Duration
~6 minutes (6K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Josephine Paolucci and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net.
Release date
2008-01-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1849–1916
Best known as the "Hoosier Poet," this Indiana writer won a huge popular audience with warm, musical verse in regional dialect and with beloved poems for children like "Little Orphant Annie" and "The Raggedy Man." His work mixes humor, homespun storytelling, and nostalgia in a way that still feels lively when read aloud.
View all books