The Rapture of the Year

Read 'The Rapture of the Year' by 'James Whitcomb Riley' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Rapture of the Year by James Whitcomb Riley

 While skies glint bright with bluest light 
Through clouds that race o'er fields and town, 
And leaves go dancing left and right, 
And orchard apples tumble down; 
While school-girls sweet, in lane or street, 
Lean 'gainst the wind and feel and hear 
Its glad heart like a lover's beat,-- 
So reigns the rapture of the year.

The ho! and hey! and whop-hooray! 
Though winter clouds be looming, 
Remember a November day 
Is merrier than mildest May 
With all her blossoms blooming.

While birds in scattered flight are blown 
Aloft and lost in dusky mist, 
And truant boys scud home alone 
'Neath skies of gold and amethyst; 
While twilight falls, and Echo calls 
Across the haunted atmosphere, 
With low, sweet laughs at intervals,-- 
So reigns the rapture of the year.

The ho! and hey! and whop-hooray! 
Though winter clouds be looming, 
Remember a November day 
Is merrier than mildest May 
With all her blossoms blooming.

Form: Ballad Comments

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