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: Fairly Easy (7th 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Incomplete?
- How does this short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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