An Old Heart by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love that has been lost. The speaker reflects on their current emotional state, describing their heart as "old" and "weary," implying a sense of exhaustion and disillusionment. They reminisce about a romantic relationship that has ended, recalling the joy and beauty it brought to their life. The poem expresses a deep sense of melancholy and yearning for a time that can never be recaptured.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1880 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 252 words
First lines
How young I am! Ah! heaven, this curse of youth Doth mock me from my mirror with great eyes, And pulsing veins repeat the unwelcome truth, That I must live, though hope within me dies.
So young, and yet I have had all of life. Why, men have lived to see a hundred years, Who have not known the rapture, joy, and strife Of my brief youth, its passion and its tears.
Oh! what are years? A ripe three score and ten Hold often less of life, in its best sense, Than just a twelvemonth lived by other men, Whose high-strung souls are ardent and intense.
What this Textopian page supports
An Old Heart is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1880 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Drama, Psychological
- Length: 252 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Their Sweet Sorrow by James Whitcomb Riley
- Mockery by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Friendship After Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Romanticism — Themes of intense emotion, passion, and individual experience are central.
- Philosophical — Explores deep existential themes such as the meaning of life and despair.
- Drama — Contains elements of dramatic expression and emotional conflict.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Heartbreak · Longing · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Sorrow · Yearning · Desire · Passion · Emotional