'Parting Guest' Summary

The poem opens with the speaker describing the arrival of a guest, a friend who brings laughter and joy to the household. As the visitor prepares to leave, a sense of melancholy settles in, though the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of parting. Riley portrays the emotions of both the guest and the host, highlighting the simple pleasures shared and the memories that will endure even after the guest's departure. The poem concludes with a hopeful tone, suggesting that though the visitor has left, the bond formed will remain strong and the memories of their time together will be cherished.