The ripest peach is highest on the tree —
And so her love, beyond the reach of me,
Is dearest in my sight. Sweet breezes, bow
Her heart down to me where I worship now!

She looms aloft where every eye may see
The ripest peach is highest on the tree.
Such fruitage as her love I know, alas!
I may not reach here from the orchard grass.

I drink the sunshine showered past her lips
As roses drain the dewdrop as it drips.
The ripest peach is highest on the tree,
And so mine eyes gaze upward eagerly.

Why — why do I not turn away in wrath
And pluck some heart here hanging in my path? —
Love’s lower boughs bend with them — but, ah me!
The ripest peach is highest on the tree!

Analysis, meaning and summary of James Whitcomb Riley's poem The Ripest Peach

3 Comments

  1. Courtney says:

    I think this poem is very good
    It says what it should

  2. Katelyn says:

    I think James poem are very interesting and exciting. How many poem has James writon?

  3. Hannah says:

    I thought this poem was great because it sounds just wonderful. It also made me fell happy. I also like it because I like peaches.

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