Smoke by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1902)
The poem explores the theme of a past love that has been lost due to the speaker's own mistakes and shortcomings. The speaker describes how they had once been deeply in love with someone, but their own flaws and weaknesses drove the other person away. The poem expresses regret and longing for what could have been if only the speaker had been more worthy of the other person's love.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 295 words
First lines
Last summer, lazing by the sea, I met a most entrancing creature, Her black eyes quite bewildered me -- She had a Spanish cast of feature.
She often smoked a cigarette, And did it in the cutest fashion. Before a week passed by she set My young heart in a raging passion.
I swore I loved her as my life, I gave her gems (don't tell my tailor). She promised to become my wife, But whispered, 'Papa is my jailer.'
'We must be very sly, you see, For Papa will not list to reason. You must not come to call on me Until he's gone from home a season.
What this Textopian page supports
Smoke is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Satire
- Length: 295 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Smoke by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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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 work is written in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around a romantic relationship and unrequited love.
- Drama — The narrative includes emotional and dramatic elements such as betrayal and regret.
- Satire — The tone and content suggest a critique of societal norms and romantic ideals.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Love · Passion · Desire · Longing · Heartbreak · Sorrow · Melancholy · Nature Imagery