The One Grief by Edith Wharton
The poem explores the theme of grief as a constant companion that brings understanding and comfort in times of sorrow. Initially feared, grief becomes a familiar presence that provides solace and interpretation in unfamiliar and challenging situations. Through its presence, the speaker is able to navigate difficult landscapes and find meaning in experiences that would otherwise be incomprehensible.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Tragedy · 168 words
First lines
ONE grief there is, the helpmeet of my heart, That shall not from me till my days be sped, That walks beside me in sunshine and in shade, And hath in all my fortunes equal part.
At first I feared it, and would often start Aghast to find it bending o'er my bed, Till usage slowly dulled the edge of dread, And one cold night I cried: _How warm thou art! _
Since then we two have travelled hand in hand, And, lo, my grief has been interpreter For me in many a fierce and alien land Whose speech young Joy had failed to understand, Plucking me tribute of red gold and myrrh From desolate whirlings of the desert sand.
What this Textopian page supports
The One Grief is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Wharton, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Tragedy
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Grief by Edith Wharton
- The Heart Of Sadness by Edith Nesbit
- Desolation by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- When Love Is Lost by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Heart Of Grief by Edith Nesbit
- Drinking Song by Ellen Glasgow
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, typical of poetry.
- Romantic — The work explores deep personal emotions and the human experience, characteristic of the Romantic genre.
- Tragedy — The work deals with themes of grief, loss, and suffering, which are common in Tragedy.
Tags
Grief · Loss · Mourning · Sorrow · Tragedy · Death · Family · Relationships · Psychological Fiction · Emotional Struggle · Inner Turmoil · Human Experience