Sonnet by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1889)
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and longing. The speaker describes a romantic interest who has rejected their affections, leaving them heartbroken and yearning for a love that will never be fulfilled. The poem's tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker reflecting on the pain of loving someone who does not return their feelings.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Spiritual · 169 words
First lines
Methinks ofttimes my heart is like some bee That goes forth through the summer day and sings. And gathers honey from all growing things In garden plot or on the clover lea.
When the long afternoon grows late, and she Would seek her hive, she cannot lift her wings. So heavily the too sweet bin den clings, From which she would not, and yet would, fly free.
So with my full, fond heart; for when it tries To lift itself to peace crowned heights, above The common way where countless feet have trod, Lo! then, this burden of dear human ties, This growing weight of precious earthly love, Binds down the spirit that would soar to God.
What this Textopian page supports
Sonnet 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, Spiritual, Philosophical
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, a form of poetry with a specific rhyme scheme and meter.
- Romantic — Themes of love and human emotion are central to the text.
- Spiritual — The poem explores the tension between earthly love and spiritual aspirations.
- Philosophical — The text delves into the nature of human existence and the struggle between material and spiritual desires.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Feminine Perspective · Emotional · Introspective · Personal · Melancholic · Nostalgic