September by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the themes of nostalgia, longing, and the passing of time. It describes a person's reminiscence about September, a month that holds sentimental value for them. The speaker recalls the beauty of nature in September, the warmth of the sun, and the vibrant colors of the flowers. They also remember the joy and love they experienced during this time. However, the poem takes a melancholic turn as the speaker realizes that those happy days are gone, and they can only cherish the memories. The overall tone is one of wistfulness and yearning for a past time that cannot be recaptured.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Nature · 157 words
First lines
My life's long radiant Summer halts at last, And lo! beside my path way I behold Pursuing Autumn glide: nor frost nor cold Has heralded her presence; but a vast Sweet calm that comes not till the year has passed Its fevered solstice, and a tinge of gold Subdues the vivid colouring of bold And passion-hued emotions. I will cast
My August days behind me with my May, Nor strive to drag them into Autumn's place, Nor swear I hope when I do but remember. Now violet and rose have had their day, I'll pluck the soberer asters with good grace And call September nothing but September.
What this Textopian page supports
September 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, Lyric, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 157 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature — The poem uses seasonal imagery and references to nature to convey its themes.
- Philosophical — The poem reflects on the passage of time and the acceptance of life's changes, which are philosophical themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Romance · Love · Nature · Seasonal · Autumn · Reflection · Melancholy · Nostalgia · Longing · Yearning