In the Night by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of loneliness and despair that can creep into one's life at night, when the distractions of the day are gone. The speaker describes the darkness as a physical presence that envelops them, making them feel isolated and disconnected from the world. They long for human connection and comfort, but it seems elusive. The poem conveys a sense of desperation and hopelessness, suggesting that even in the midst of a bustling city, one can feel utterly alone.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Mysticism, Philosophical · 313 words
First lines
Sometimes at night, when I sit and write, / I hear the strangest things,- / As my brain grows hot with burning thought, / That struggles for form and wings, / I can hear the beat of my swift blood's feet, / As it speeds with a rush and a whir / From heart to brain and back again, / Like a race-horse under the spur.
With my soul's fine ear I listen and hear / The tender Silence speak, / As it leans on the breast of Night to rest, / And presses his dusky cheek. / And the darkness turns in its sleep, and yearns / For something that is kin; / And I hear the hiss of a scorching kiss, / As it folds and fondles Sin.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Night is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Mysticism, Philosophical, Psychological, Gothic
- Length: 313 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Night by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and imagery.
- Mysticism — Themes of the supernatural, spiritual listening, and cosmic elements are prevalent.
- Philosophical — Explores deep existential themes such as the nature of existence, death, and the universe.
- Psychological — Focuses on the inner workings of the mind and soul, and the experience of intense thought and emotion.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Night · Darkness · Mystery · Passion · Emotion · Intimacy · Desire · Longing · Yearning