A Wakeful Night
The poem explores the theme of insomnia and the speaker's restless night, where they are unable to sleep due to their racing thoughts and emotions. The speaker describes their state of mind, feeling anxious, worried, and overwhelmed by their troubles. They try to calm themselves down but fail, and instead, their imagination runs wild, conjuring up dark visions and fears.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Gothic · 305 words
First lines
In the dark and the gloom when winds were fretting Like restless children worn out with play, I said to my heart, 'This task, forgetting -- Is harder now than it is by day. For a hungry love that hides from the light, Like a tiger steals forth, and is bold at night.'
The wind wailed low like a woman weeping; Deeper and darker the dense gloom grew. And, oh! for the old, sweet nights of sleeping, When dreams were happy, and love was true. Before the stars from heaven went out In a sudden blackness of dread and doubt.
What this Textopian page supports
A Wakeful Night is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Gothic, Psychological, Symbolism
- Length: 305 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Romantic — Themes of love, longing, and emotional struggle are central to the work.
- Gothic — The dark, gloomy atmosphere and imagery of tigers and night evoke a gothic sensibility.
- Psychological — Explores the inner turmoil and emotional conflict of the narrator.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Heartbreak · Longing · Melancholy · Nostalgia · Yearning · Sorrow · Grief · Loss · Pain