There Was a Cherry-Tree - Read by REF
There Was a Cherry-Tree - Read by REF

There Was a Cherry-Tree

'There Was a Cherry-Tree' offers a nostalgic look at childhood through Riley's poetic imagery, read by LibriVox volunteers. Enjoy the simple beauty.

NostalgicSoothingInspirationalAuthenticDelightful

1:23•20 May 2012

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About this podcast

There Was a Cherry-Tree

James Whitcomb Riley

LibriVox volunteers bring you 18 recordings of There Was a Cherry-Tree by James Whitcomb Riley. This was the Weekly Poetry project for May 13, 2012. Riley began his career writing verses as a sign maker and submitting poetry to newspapers. Thanks in part to an endorsement from poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, he eventually earned successive jobs at Indiana newspaper publishers during the latter 1870s. Riley gradually rose in prominence during the 1880s through his poetry reading tours. He traveled a touring circuit first in the Midwest, and then nationally, holding shows and making joint appearances on stage with other famous talents. Regularly struggling with his alcohol addiction, Riley never married or had children, and was involved in a scandal in 1888 when he became too drunk to perform. He became more popular in spite of the bad press he received, and as a result extricated himself from poorly negotiated contracts that limited his earnings; he quickly became very wealthy. (Summary from Wikipedia)

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Episodes: 36

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Rediscovering Childhood Magic with Riley's Cherry-Tree

Episode Overview

James Whitcomb Riley's poetry captures childhood innocence.
The cherry tree symbolizes nature's timeless beauty.
LibriVox volunteers bring Riley's work to life through readings.
Listeners can experience nostalgia through vivid imagery.
The poem is a reminder of life's simple joys.

“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.”

Get ready to be transported back to the days of childhood wonder with this charming reading of 'There Was a Cherry-Tree' by James Whitcomb Riley. In this episode, listeners can revel in the nostalgia and simplicity of Riley's poetry, which captures the essence of youthful innocence and the beauty of nature. With its vivid imagery, the poem paints a picture of a cherry tree whose blooms and fruits evoke memories of carefree days.

The reading, done by LibriVox volunteers, offers a soothing escape into a world where blue jays perch on branches and boys feast on crimson cherries. It's an auditory journey that brings to life Riley's knack for storytelling through verse, providing a gentle reminder of the joy found in life's simple pleasures. As you listen, you might find yourself reminiscing about your own childhood adventures or simply appreciating the timeless allure of nature's splendour.

Dive into this poetic retreat and let the cherry tree's blooms inspire a sense of gratitude and delight.