Only a Slight Flirtation
The poem explores the theme of a romantic encounter between two people who are already committed to others. The speaker describes the brief flirtation as a moment of intense passion and excitement, but also acknowledges its fleeting nature and the impossibility of pursuing it further due to their existing relationships.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1910 · Genre: Romance, Tragedy, Drama · 240 words
First lines
'Twas just a slight flirtation, And where's the harm, I pray, In that amusing pastime So much in vogue to-day?
Her hand was plighted elsewhere To one she held most dear, But why should she sit lonely When other men were near?
They walked to church together, They sat upon the shore. She found him entertaining, He found her something more.
They rambled in the moonlight; It made her look so fair. She let him praise her beauty, And kiss her flowing hair.
What this Textopian page supports
Only a Slight Flirtation is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Tragedy, Drama, Poetry, Social Commentary
- Length: 240 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Only a Slight Flirtation 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 Slight Flirtation?
- 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 romantic interactions and relationships.
- Tragedy — The narrative includes the death of a character and the resulting emotional turmoil.
- Drama — The story involves intense emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas.
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic format with structured verses and rhyme.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Flirtation · Seduction · Attraction · Desire · Passion · Emotions · Intimacy · Human Connection