A Crushed Leaf
The poem explores the theme of lost love and longing. The speaker reflects on a past romance that has withered away like a crushed leaf, leaving only memories and sorrow. The poem expresses the pain of remembering happy moments that can never be relived, and the anguish of accepting that the beloved is gone forever.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Symbolism · 278 words
First lines
An hour ago when the wind blew high At my lady's window a red leaf beat. Then dropped at her door, where, passing by, She carelessly trod it under her feet.
I have taken it out of the dust and dirt, With a tender pity but half defined. Ah! poor bruised leaf, with your stain and hurt, 'A fellow-feeling doth make us kind.'
On winds of passion my heart was blown, Like an autumn leaf one hapless day. At my lady's window with tap and moan It burned and fluttered its life away.
Bright with the blood of its wasting tide It glowed in the sun of her laughing eyes. What cared she though a stray heart died -- What to her were its sobs and sighs.
What this Textopian page supports
A Crushed Leaf is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Symbolism, Victorian
- Length: 278 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for A Crushed Leaf by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romantic — The themes revolve around love, passion, and emotional suffering.
- Symbolism — The use of the leaf as a symbol for the heart and emotional experiences is central to the text.
- Victorian — The writing style and themes are characteristic of the Victorian era, focusing on emotional depth and societal norms.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Nature · Love · Heartbreak · Longing · Melancholy · Sorrow · Loss · Grief · Mourning · Reflection