Rondeau by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of love and its transformative power. It describes a romantic encounter between two people who are drawn to each other despite being from different social classes. The speaker reflects on how this chance meeting has awakened a deep passion within them, making them feel alive and free. The poem also touches on the idea that true love can conquer all obstacles, including societal expectations and class differences.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric · 145 words
First lines
As you forgot I may forget, When summer dews cease to be wet. When whippoorwills disdain the night, When sun and moon are no more bright, And all the stars at midnight set.
When jay birds sing, and thrushes fret, When snowfalls come in flakes of jet, When hearts that shelter love are light, I may forget.
When mortal life no cares beset, When April brings no violet, When wrong no longer wars with right, When all hope's ships shall heave in sight, And memory holds no least regret, I may forget.
What this Textopian page supports
Rondeau is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric, Philosophical
- Length: 145 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romantic — Themes of love, memory, and emotional reflection are central to the text.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical — The text contemplates existential themes such as memory, time, and the nature of life.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Feminine Perspective · Emotional · Introspective · Personal · Reflective · Melancholic