An Empty Crib by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of maternal grief and loss. A mother mourns the death of her infant, lamenting the empty crib that was once filled with life. The speaker describes the crib as a symbol of hope and promise, now rendered useless by the child's passing. The poem conveys the intense emotional pain of losing a child, highlighting the mother's sense of despair and desolation.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Lyrical · 175 words
First lines
Beside a crib that holds a baby's stocking, A tattered picture book, a broken toy, A sleeping mother dreams that she is rocking Her fair-haired cherub boy.
Upon the cradle's side her light touch keeping, She gently rocks it, crooning low a song; And smiles to think her little one is sleeping, So peacefully and long.
Step light, breathe low, break not her rapturous dreaming, Wake not the sleeper from her trance of joy, For never more save in sweet slumber-seeming Will she watch o'er her boy.
God pity her when from her dream Elysian She wakes to see the empty crib, and weep; Knowing her joy was but a sleeper's vision, Tread lightly -- let her sleep.
What this Textopian page supports
An Empty Crib is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Lyrical, Drama, Sentimental
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Tragedy — The themes revolve around loss and sorrow, particularly the death of a child.
- Lyrical — The writing style is highly emotive and personal, focusing on the inner feelings of the mother.
- Drama — The narrative involves intense emotional experiences and dramatic elements.
Tags
Poetry · Christmas · Holiday · Family · Motherhood · Loss · Grief · Sorrow · Emotional · Heartfelt · Nostalgic · Reflective