Reverie by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love that has been lost. The speaker describes a state of reverie, where they are transported back to a time when their beloved was with them. They recall the beauty and joy of that period, and lament its passing. The poem expresses a deep sense of yearning and melancholy, as the speaker struggles to come to terms with the loss.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Inspirational · 290 words
First lines
The day has been wild and stormy, And full of the wind's unrest, And I sat down alone by the window, While the sunset dyed the West; And the holy rush of twilight, As the day went over the hill, Like the voice of a spirit seemed speaking And saying, 'Peace be still.'
Then I thought with sudden longing, That it might be so with my woes; That the life so wild and restless, When it reached the eve's repose, Might glow with a sudden glory, And be crowned with peace and rest; And the holy calm of twilight Might come to my troubled breast.
What this Textopian page supports
Reverie is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Inspirational, Romanticism
- Length: 290 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Reverie 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Reverie?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Afternoon by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Kettle by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Interlude by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Sapphires by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Waft Of Perfume by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Rondeau by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of the lyric genre.
- Inspirational — Themes of overcoming life's struggles and finding peace are central to the work.
- Romanticism — The poem emphasizes emotion, nature, and individual experience, aligning with Romantic ideals.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Feminine · Emotional · Introspective · Contemplative · Dreamy · Whimsical