Song by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1883)
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and longing. The speaker describes a song that echoes through their mind, a melody that brings back memories of a past love. The song is a bittersweet reminder of what could never be, and the speaker is torn between the joy it brings and the pain it revives.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 203 words
First lines
O praise me not with your lips, dear one! Though your tender words I prize. But dearer by far is the soulful gaze Of your eyes, your beautiful eyes Your tender, loving eyes.
O chide me not with your lips, dear one! Though I cause your bosom sighs. You can make repentance deeper far By your sad, reproving eyes, Your sorrowful, troubled eyes.
Words, at the best, are but hollow sounds; Above, in the beaming skies, The constant stars say never a word, But only smile with their eyes- Smile on with their lustrous eyes.
Then breathe no vow with your lips, dear one; On the winged wind speech flies. But I read the truth of your noble heart In your soulful, speaking eyes- In your deep and beautiful eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Lyric, Sentimental
- Length: 203 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Song 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 Song?
- 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
- Noon by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Isaura by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Couleur De Rose by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Only A Simple Rhyme by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Heights by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Diamonds by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, affection, and emotional connection.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and feelings, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Sentimental — The work evokes tender emotions and focuses on the beauty of the beloved's eyes.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Feminine · Emotional · Introspective · Personal · Spiritual · Mystical