About May by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of lost love and nostalgia. The speaker reflects on a past romance that occurred in May, recalling the beauty of nature during that time and the joy they felt with their lover. However, the tone shifts to one of melancholy as the speaker realizes that the relationship has ended and they are now alone, left to reminisce about what could have been.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1884 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy · 266 words
First lines
One night Nurse Sleep held out her hand To tired little May. "Come, go with me to Wonderland," She said, "I know the way. Just rock-a-by -- hum-m-m, And lo! we come To the place where the dream-girls play."
But naughty May, she wriggled away From Sleep's soft arms, and said: "I must stay awake till I eat my cake, And then I will go to bed; With a by-lo, away I will go. " But the good nurse shook her head.
She shook her head and away she sped, While May sat munching her crumb. But after the cake there came an ache, Though May cried: "Come, Sleep, come, And it's oh! my! let us by-lo-by" -- All save the echoes were dumb.
What this Textopian page supports
About May 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: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy, Moral Tale
- Length: 266 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for About May by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering About May?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative centers around a child named May and her interactions with Nurse Sleep, making it highly relevant to young readers.
- Poetry — The text is written in a poetic format with rhymes and rhythmic structure.
- Fantasy — The story involves elements of fantasy such as Wonderland and dream-girls, which are imaginative and fantastical.
- Moral Tale — The story conveys a moral lesson about the consequences of not listening to good advice, as seen in May's experience.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Feminine · Emotional · Introspective · Personal · Reflective · Melancholic