Love's Language
The poem explores the idea that love has its own language, which transcends words and is understood by those who have experienced it. It describes how lovers can communicate without speaking, through subtle gestures and glances. The speaker argues that this language is universal, crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries, and that it is the most powerful form of communication.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 439 words
First lines
How does Love speak? In the faint flush upon the tell-tale cheek, And in the pallor that succeeds it; by The quivering lid of an averted eye -- The smile that proves the patent to a sigh -- Thus doth Love speak.
How does Love speak? By the uneven heart-throbs, and the freak Of bounding pulses that stand still and ache, While new emotions, like strange barges, make Along vein-channels their disturbing course; Still as the dawn, and with the dawn's swift force -- Thus doth Love speak.
What this Textopian page supports
Love's Language 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, Romance, Lyric, Sentimental, Classical
- Length: 439 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Love's Language 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 Love's Language?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Womans Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- All That Love Asks by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- All That Love Asks by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Un Rencontre by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Love Song by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and imagery.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the expression and experience of love.
- Lyric — The poem focuses on personal emotions and feelings, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Sentimental — The work evokes strong emotional responses and emphasizes tender feelings.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Emotions · Passion · Intimacy · Sensuality · Desire · Longing · Heartfelt · Sentimental