So Long by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of longing and nostalgia for a past love that has been lost. The speaker reflects on the memories of the beloved, remembering their laughter, tears, and whispers. The poem expresses a deep sense of yearning and melancholy, with the speaker imploring the beloved to return to them.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric · 280 words
First lines
The dawn grows red in the eastern sky, (Long, so long is the day,) And I lean from my lattice and sigh and sigh, As I watch the night fog creeping by And vanish over the bay.
The thrush soars up, over green clad hills, (The day is long, so long; ) Like liquid silver his music spills, And ever it quivers, and runs, and trills In a glad sweet burst of song.
Under my window there blooms a rose, (How long a day can be.) And I lean and whisper what no soul knows Of my heart's sorrows and secret woes, And the red rose sighs, 'Ah me!'
A ship sails into the waiting bay, (The day is long, alack,) But what would that matter to me, I pray If the ship that sailed out yesterday Should never more come back.
What this Textopian page supports
So Long 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, Nature, Melancholic
- Length: 280 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Romantic — Themes of love, longing, and emotional expression are central to the work.
- Lyric — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts, often in a musical or song-like manner.
- Nature — Frequent references to natural elements like the dawn, thrush, and rose are present.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Loss · Grief · Melancholy · Nostalgia · Longing · Separation · Yearning · Heartbreak · Sorrow