Incomplete by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and the consequences of societal expectations on individual desires. The narrator reflects on a past relationship that was cut short due to the pressure from family and friends, leaving them with lingering emotions and a sense of incompleteness.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Nature · 237 words
First lines
The summer is just in its grandest prime, / The earth is green and the skies are blue; / But where is the lilt of the olden time, / When life was a melody set to rhyme, / And dreams were so real they all seemed true?
There is sun on the meadow, and blooms on the bushes, / And never a bird but is mad with glee; / But the pulse that bounds, and the blood that rushes, / And the hope that soars, and the joy that gushes, / Are lost for ever to you and me.
There are dawns of amber and amethyst; / There are purple mountains, and pale pink seas / That flush to crimson where skies have kist; / But out of life there is something missed -- / Something better than all of these.
What this Textopian page supports
Incomplete is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 237 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Incomplete by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Traveled Man by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- New And Old by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Leaf by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Life And I by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Faith by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Undiscovered Country by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with a focus on rhythm and rhyme.
- Romantic — Themes of love, loss, and nostalgia are prevalent throughout the text.
- Nature — Frequent references to natural elements like meadows, birds, and skies.
- Philosophical — Explores deeper meanings of life, youth, and existential reflections.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth · Motivational · Inspirational · Uplifting · Optimistic · Hopeful · Romantic · Emotional