River and Sea by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. It describes a romantic relationship between two people who are now separated, with the speaker yearning for their loved one who has gone away. The poem uses the metaphor of a river flowing into the sea to describe the inevitability of change and the fleeting nature of human connections.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Nature · 167 words
First lines
We stood by the river that swept In its glory and grandeur away; But never a pulse o' me leapt, And you wondered at me that day.
We stood by the lake as it lay With its dimpled face turned to the light; Was it strange I had nothing to say To so fair and enchanting a sight?
I look on your tresses of gold- You are fair and a thing to be loved- Do you think I am heartless and cold That I look and am wholly unmoved?
One answer, dear friend, I will make To the questions your eyes ask of me: "Talk not of the river or lake To those who have looked on the sea"
What this Textopian page supports
River and Sea is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for River and Sea 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 River and Sea?
- 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
- Sun Shadows by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- No Place by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Loves Coming by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Solar Eclipse by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Vestigia by Bliss Carman
- Wedded by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Romantic — Themes of love and emotional introspection are central to the work.
- Nature — The imagery and descriptions heavily involve natural elements like rivers, lakes, and the sea.
- Philosophical — The work explores deeper existential questions and reflections on human experience.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Romance · Love · Marriage · Relationships · Emotions · Introspection · Self-discovery · Spirituality · Philosophy · Imagery