An Old Song by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love. The speaker reminisces about an old song that was once shared with a former lover, evoking memories of joy, passion, and intimacy. The song serves as a catalyst, transporting the speaker back to a bygone era, rekindling emotions that were thought to be long buried.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Romance · 467 words
First lines
_Two roadways lead from this land to That_, _and one is the road of Prayer_; _And one is the road of Old-time Songs_, _and every note is a stair_.
A shabby old man with a music machine on the sordid city street; But suddenly earth seemed Arcady, and life grew young and sweet. For the city street fled, and the world was green, and a little house stood by the sea; And she came singing a martial air (she who was peace itself); She brought back with her the old, strange charm, of mingled pathos and glee-
What this Textopian page supports
An Old Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Romance, Spiritual, Historical
- Length: 467 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Before And After by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Fantasy — The narrative involves a fantastical transformation of the mundane into an idyllic, otherworldly setting.
- Romance — Themes of love and longing for a lost loved one are central to the narrative.
- Spiritual — The text explores themes of the afterlife and spiritual connection through prayer and song.
Tags
Romance · Love · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Poetry · Sentimental · Emotional · Introspective · Personal · Reflective · Memories · Longing