An Afternoon by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love. The speaker reminisces about an afternoon spent with a former lover, recalling the beauty of nature and the joy they shared together. However, the tone shifts to one of melancholy and regret as the speaker realizes that the relationship has ended and can never be recaptured.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Nostalgia · 329 words
First lines
I am stirred by the dream of an afternoon Of a perfect day-though it was not June; The lilt of winds, and the droning tune That a busy city was humming.
And a bronze-brown head, and lips like wine Leaning out through the window-vine A-list for steps that were maybe mine- Eager steps that were coming.
What this Textopian page supports
An Afternoon is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Nostalgia, Drama, Urban
- Length: 329 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Afternoon 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An Afternoon?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The poem centers on themes of love, affection, and emotional connection.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Nostalgia — The narrative reflects on past experiences and memories with a sense of longing.
- Drama — The poem explores intense emotional conflicts and personal introspection.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Nature · Imagery · Sensuality · Desire · Longing · Beauty · Feminine · Emotional · Introspective