By-and-Bye 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 memories of the beloved, recalling moments of joy and intimacy. However, these recollections are bittersweet, as the speaker acknowledges that the relationship has ended and cannot be revived. The poem conveys a sense of melancholy and resignation, as the speaker comes to terms with the irreversibility of loss.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy · 263 words
First lines
"By-and-bye," the maiden sighed-"by-and-bye He will claim me for his bride, Hope is strong and time is fleet; Youth is fair, and love is sweet, Clouds will pass that fleck my sky, He will come back by-and-bye-by-and-bye."
"By-and-bye," the soldier said-"by-and-bye, After I have fought and bled, I shall go home from the wars, Crowned with glory, seamed with scars. Joy will flash from some one's eye When she greets me by-and-bye-by-and-bye."
"By-and-bye," the mother cried-"by-and-bye, Strong and sturdy at my side, Like a staff supporting me, Will my bonnie baby be. Break my rest, then, wail and cry- Thou'lt repay me by-and-bye-by-and-bye."
What this Textopian page supports
By-and-Bye is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy, War, Family
- Length: 263 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for By-and-Bye by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Friendship After Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Before And After by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Parting by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- But One by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Minor Chord by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Never Mind by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhyme and meter.
- Romance — Themes of love and longing are central to the narrative.
- Tragedy — The poem deals with unfulfilled promises and the harsh realities of life.
- War — The soldier's experience and the impact of war are significant elements.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Love · Relationships · Marriage · Heartbreak · Loss · Grief · Melancholy · Nostalgia