Swimming Song by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love that has been lost. The speaker reminisces about a romantic encounter with someone who has since departed, leaving them with only memories of their time together. The "swimming song" of the title refers to the sound of the lover's voice, which the speaker still hears in their mind.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Nature · 249 words
First lines
I am coming, coming to thee, My strong-armed lover, the Sea! On thy great broad breast I will lie and rest, And thou shalt talk to me.
I have come to thee, all unsought, I have stolen an hour from thought, And peace and power thou canst give in that hour, Which thy rival Earth gives not.
Alone here, under the sky, And the whole world drifting by! Thy breast of brine thrills close to mine, While the cloudless sun sails high.
I fly, but thou givest chase- Thy kisses are on my face! Be bold and free as thou wilt, O Sea, There is life in thy close embrace.
What this Textopian page supports
Swimming Song 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, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 249 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romantic — The themes revolve around a passionate and intimate connection with the sea, personified as a lover.
- Nature — The poem focuses on the natural element of the sea and the speaker's interaction with it.
- Philosophical — The poem explores deeper themes of peace, power, and the contrast between the sea and the earth.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Romance · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Free Verse · Emotional · Introspective · Personal · Contemplative