March by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1899)
The poem explores the themes of love, loss, and longing through a series of vignettes that unfold over the course of a single month, March. The speaker reflects on past experiences, memories, and emotions, weaving together a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Personification · 143 words
First lines
Like some reformer, who with mien austere, / Neglected dress, and loud insistent tones, / More rasping than the wrongs which she bemoans, / Walks through the land and wearies all who hear, / While yet we know the need of such reform; / So comes unlovely March, with wind and storm, / To break the spell of winter, and set free / The poisoned brooks and crocus beds oppressed. / Severe of face, gaunt-armed, and wildly dressed, / She is not fair nor beautiful to see. / But merry April and sweet smiling May / Come not till March has first prepared the way.
What this Textopian page supports
March is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Personification, Symbolism, Reform
- Length: 143 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for March 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
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Similar titles
- A Dream Of Autumn by James Whitcomb Riley
- December by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- When Early March Seems Middle May by James Whitcomb Riley
- The First Flowers by John Greenleaf Whittier
- September by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- April by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Nature — The poem uses natural imagery and themes related to the changing seasons.
- Personification — March is personified as a reformer, giving human characteristics to a month.
- Symbolism — March symbolizes transition and preparation for the more pleasant months of April and May.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Nature · Seasonal · Spring · Imagery · Symbolism · Romanticism · Love · Longing · Melancholy · Nostalgia