A Meeting by Edith Wharton (1901)
The poem explores the theme of a romantic encounter between two individuals who are aware that their love is fleeting and precarious, threatened by the abyss of death and the mundane routine of daily life. They savor the moment of joy and intimacy, knowing they must soon part ways, with one of them willing to sacrifice themselves for the other.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Drama · 117 words
First lines
ON a sheer peak of joy we meet; Below us hums the abyss; Death either way allures our feet If we take one step amiss.
One moment let us drink the blue Transcendent air together -- Then down where the same old work's to do In the same dull daily weather.
We may not wait. yet look below! How part? On this keen ridge But one may pass. They call you -- go! My life shall be your bridge.
What this Textopian page supports
A Meeting is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Wharton, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edith Wharton
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Drama
- Length: 117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Meeting by Edith Wharton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Meeting?
- How does this poem by Edith Wharton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Two Backgrounds by Edith Wharton
- The Mortal Lease by Edith Wharton
- Reunion by Ellen Glasgow
- Full Circle by Edith Wharton
- The Touchstone by Edith Wharton
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in stanzas with a rhythmic and rhyming scheme, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — The work explores themes of love, joy, and separation, common in romantic literature.
- Drama — The work presents a dramatic situation with high emotional stakes, typical of drama.
Tags
Social Class · Marriage · Infidelity · Love Triangle · Upper Class · Society · Etiquette · Manners · Morality · Adultery · Deception · Secrets