Memory's River
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and the power of memory to evoke emotions and transport individuals back to past experiences. The speaker describes a river that flows through their mind, carrying memories of joy, love, and sorrow. The river's source is the speaker's childhood, and it winds its way through their life, collecting memories along the way. The poem expresses a sense of longing for the past and a desire to hold onto memories, even as they fade with time.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 513 words
First lines
In Nature's bright blossoms not always reposes That strange subtle essence more rare than their bloom, Which lies in the hearts of carnations and roses, That unexplained something by men called perfume. Though modest the flower, yet great is its power And pregnant with meaning each pistil and leaf, If only it hides there, if only abides there, The fragrance suggestive of love, joy, and grief.
What this Textopian page supports
Memory's River is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Lyric, Sentimental
- Length: 513 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and metaphor.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, emotion, and nature are central, reflecting the Romantic literary movement.
- Philosophical — Explores deep themes such as memory, emotion, and the passage of time.
- Lyric — Expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Romanticism · Nature · Memory · River · Imagery · Symbolism · Love · Longing · Nostalgia · Melancholy