My Lover Smiled by Bliss Carman
In "O Friend," Bliss Carman pens a poem that explores the depths of human longing and love. The speaker of the poem yearns for a friend who can understand and share in their emotions, someone who can offer solace and comfort in times of need. The language is simple yet evocative, with a focus on the power of friendship to transcend even the most profound of human experiences.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Classic Literature · 166 words
First lines
My lover smiled, "O friend, ask not / The journey's end, nor whence we are. / That whistling boy who minds his goats / So idly in the grey ravine,
"The brown-backed rower drenched with spray, / The lemon-seller in the street, / And the young girl who keeps her first / Wild love-tryst at the rising moon, --
"Lo, these are wiser than the wise. / And not for all our questioning / Shall we discover more than joy, / Nor find a better thing than love!
"Let pass the banners and the spears, / The hate, the battle, and the greed; / For greater than all gifts is peace, / And strength is in the tranquil mind. "
What this Textopian page supports
My Lover Smiled is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Classic Literature
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for My Lover Smiled by Bliss Carman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman is known for his works in poetry and the title suggests a poetic or lyrical structure
- Romantic — The title suggests themes of love and romantic relationships
- Classic Literature — Bliss Carman is a well-known figure in classic literature, and the book's title suggests a classical, elegiac tone
Tags
poetry · love · smile · friendship · advice · wisdom · nature · imagery · symbolism · emotions · inspiration · hope