Mirage by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1922)
The poem explores the theme of disillusionment and the fleeting nature of human desires. The speaker describes a romantic encounter that initially seems idyllic but ultimately proves to be an illusion. The poem's central image, a mirage, serves as a metaphor for the elusive and unattainable nature of human longing.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Nostalgia · 434 words
First lines
When the beautiful mountain ash is turning -- As lovely a sight as the eyes desire; When the leaves of the sumac bush are burning, Like the steady flame of a winter fire; When the weeds by the roadside all grow golden, When maples are glowing and asters gleam, It is then that the new is changed to the olden, And back to my heart comes the past like a dream.
Like a mirage I see the blue haze o'er me, The City of Youth that I left behind. Oh! whitely its turrets are gleaming before me, And out of the window lean faces kind. And I hear the echo of jubilant voices; There are cheeks of beauty and eyes of truth: And every pulse in my heart rejoices -- There's no other place like the City of Youth.
What this Textopian page supports
Mirage is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1922 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: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Nostalgia, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 434 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mirage by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Fleeing Away by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Old Fashioned by Emily Dickinson
- The Depths by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- No Place by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Unrest by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Woman To Man by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Romance — Themes of love and emotional connection are central to the narrative.
- Nostalgia — The work reflects on past experiences and memories with a sense of longing.
- Nature — Descriptive passages about the natural world and changing seasons are prominent.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Feminist · Women's Rights · Social Commentary · Philosophical