The Last Dance
The poem explores the theme of lost love and longing. The speaker reflects on a past romantic encounter that has been severed, leaving them with a deep sense of yearning. They recall the final dance they shared with their former lover, which was filled with unspoken emotions and a desperate attempt to cling to what was left of their relationship.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 253 words
First lines
WHEN LOVE FOR HIS MAKER AWOKE IN MAN, THE DANCE BEGAN
The wave of the ocean, the leaf of the wood, In the rhythm of motion proclaim life is good. The stars are all swinging to metres and rhyme, The planets are singing while suns mark the time. The moonbeams and rivers float off in a trance, The Universe quivers-on, on with the dance!
Our partners we pick from the best of the throng In the ballroom of Life and go lilting along; We follow our fancy, and choose as we will, For waltz or for tango or merry quadrille; But ever one partner is waiting us all At the end of the programme, to finish the ball.
What this Textopian page supports
The Last Dance is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Romantic, Metaphysical
- Length: 253 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Last Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- So Long by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- As By Fire by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- To One In Paradise by Edgar Allan Poe
- The Cameo by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a focus on rhythm and rhyme.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential concepts such as life, death, and the universe.
- Inspirational — The writing encourages a positive outlook on life and its inevitable end.
- Romantic — The metaphor of dance partners suggests themes of love and relationships.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Death · Mourning · Grief · Loss · Sorrow · Longing · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Tragedy