Friendship After Love
The poem explores the theme of a romantic relationship that has ended, and the speaker reflects on the remnants of love that still linger. The speaker acknowledges that while the passion and romance have faded, a deep and abiding friendship remains. This friendship is not a replacement for the lost love but rather a natural progression of the emotional bond that once existed between the two individuals.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 173 words
First lines
After the fierce midsummer all ablaze Has burned itself to ashes, and expires In the intensity of its own fires, There come the mellow, mild, St. Martin days, Crowned with the calm of peace, but sad with haze. So after Love has led us, till he tires Of his own throes and torments and desires, Comes large-eyed friendship: with a restful gaze He beckons us to follow, and across Cool, verdant vales we wander free from care. Is it a touch of frost lies in the air? Why are we haunted with a sense of loss? We do not wish the pain back, or the heat; And yet, and yet, these days are incomplete.
What this Textopian page supports
Friendship After Love 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: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Literary
- Length: 173 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Friendship After Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Similar titles
- More Fortunate by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Before And After by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Parting by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- By And Bye by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Never Mind by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Their Sweet Sorrow by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love and its transformation into friendship.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep reflections on the nature of love and friendship.
- Literary — The writing style is sophisticated and emphasizes aesthetic qualities.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Heartbreak · Longing · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Relationships · Emotional · Introspective · Personal Growth · Self-Discovery