Only a Glove by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem tells the story of a woman who finds an old glove at a charity bazaar and becomes obsessed with finding its mate, believing it to belong to her soulmate. As she searches for the matching glove, she begins to imagine the life and character of its owner, eventually becoming convinced that they are destined to be together.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1894 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Sentimental · 217 words
First lines
Only a glove that has touched her fingers, But it seems to me something half divine. A delicate fragrance about it lingers, And it stirs my blood like wine -- Yes, thrills and warms me like wine.
So well I remember the night she wore it -- How I held the hand in its dainty glove, And whispered sweetly as I leaned o'er it -- Whispered a tale of love -- A story of my mad love.
There was mirth, and music, and light and laughter, The viols played and the dancers whirled. We were part of it all -- but a moment after Were alone in love's fair world -- Alone in God's own world.
What this Textopian page supports
Only a Glove is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Sentimental, Drama, Literary
- Length: 217 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Only a Glove 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Only a Glove?
- How does this short story 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 poem centers on themes of love, passion, and romantic memories.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a focus on lyrical expression and emotional depth.
- Sentimental — The narrative evokes strong emotions and nostalgia, reflecting on past experiences and feelings.
- Drama — The poem contains dramatic elements, such as intense emotions and a focus on personal relationships.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Heartbreak · Longing · Desire · Passion · Emotional · Introspective · Personal · Reflective