Love's Mirage by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and its consequences on an individual's life. The narrator describes a romantic relationship that has ended, leaving the speaker heartbroken and disillusioned. The poem delves into the emotions of longing, sadness, and regret, highlighting the pain and suffering that accompany lost love.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Philosophical · 169 words
First lines
Midway upon the route, he paused athirst And suddenly across the wastes of heat, He saw cool waters gleaming, and a sweet Green oasis upon his vision burst. A tender dream, long in his bosom nursed, Spread love's illusive verdure for his feet; The barren sands changed into golden wheat; The way grew glad that late had seemed accursed.
She shone, the woman wonder, on his soul; The garden spot, for which men toil and wait; The house of rest, that is each heart's demand; But when, at last, he reached the gleaming goal, He found, oh, cruel irony of fate, But desert sun upon the desert sand.
What this Textopian page supports
Love's Mirage is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Philosophical, Drama, Literary Fiction
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Love's Mirage by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Love's Mirage?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and its illusions.
- Poetry — The writing style is poetic, with structured verses and rich imagery.
- Philosophical — Explores deeper meanings and existential reflections on love and fate.
- Drama — Contains dramatic elements of longing, disappointment, and emotional intensity.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Heartbreak · Longing · Desire · Passion · Emotions · Intimacy · Sensuality · Beauty