A Man's Good-Bye
The poem explores the theme of a man's reluctance to express his emotions and say goodbye to his loved one. The speaker describes how the man's eyes and lips convey his sadness and longing, but he remains silent, unable to utter the words "goodbye." The poem highlights the tension between the man's emotional pain and his inability to articulate it, emphasizing the complexity of masculine emotional expression.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1884 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 276 words
First lines
Do you think, dear, as you say Such a light good-bye to-day, That this parting time may be Mayhaps less to you, than me?
What a wonder of surprise Looks out from your sunny eyes. 'Just a nice acquaintance. ' So We have called it, dear, I know.
Now you end it with a word, While my inmost soul is stirred. No -- you cannot understand. But, dear, as I touch your hand,
Listening to your light good-bye, All a man's roused passions cry Like a tiger, stirred, at bay. Oh! you draw your hand away.
What this Textopian page supports
A Man's Good-Bye is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Psychological, Victorian
- Length: 276 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for A Man's Good-Bye by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Similar titles
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- Parting by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around romantic feelings and the emotional turmoil of parting.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by intense emotional conflict and dramatic expressions of passion.
- Psychological — The text delves into the inner emotional states and psychological responses of the characters.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Loss · Grief · Melancholy · Nostalgia · Longing · Separation · Farewell · Heartbreak · Sorrow