
The poem explores the theme of lost love and longing. The speaker reflects on a past romance that has ended, and they are now left to ponder what could have been. They express a deep sense of yearning and sadness, acknowledging that this was their last chance at love. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker accepting their fate but still holding onto memories of the past.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 179 words
The first flower of the spring is not so fair Or bright as one the ripe midsummer brings. The first faint note the forest warbler sings Is not as rich with feeling, or so rare As when, full master of his art, the air Drowns in the liquid sea of song he flings Like silver spray from beak, and breast, and wings. The artist's earliest effort, wrought with care, The bard's first ballad, written in his tears, Set by his later toil, seems poor and tame, And into nothing dwindles at the test. So with the passions of maturer years. Let those who will demand the first fond flame, Give me the heart's _last love_, for that is best.
Last Love is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 CE.
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Romance · Poetry · Love · Loss · Grief · Mourning · Sorrow · Heartbreak · Longing · Yearning · Nostalgia · Melancholy