A Marine Etching by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Name: A Marine Etching
Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The poem explores the theme of lost love and nostalgia through the metaphor of a marine etching, which is a delicate and intricate artwork created on a piece of ivory or metal using acid. The speaker describes the etching as a beautiful and detailed depiction of a scene, but one that is fragile and easily damaged. This serves as a symbol for the fleeting nature of love and relationships, which can be easily destroyed by the harsh realities of life.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature · 50 words

Editions

First lines

A yacht from its harbour ropes pulled free, / And leaped like a steed o'er the race-track blue, / Then up behind her the dust of the sea, / A gray fog, drifted, and hid her from view.

Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

A Marine Etching is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature, Adventure
Length: 50 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs

Good citation fit

Work identity for A Marine Etching by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
Romanticism — The imagery and themes evoke a sense of beauty and emotion typical of Romantic literature.
Nature — The poem prominently features natural elements such as the sea and fog.
Adventure — The narrative involves a yacht setting out to sea, suggesting a journey or adventure.