The Lost Garden
The poem tells the story of a woman who has lost her garden, which symbolizes her lost youth and beauty. The garden was once full of vibrant flowers and trees, but now it lies barren and neglected. The woman reminisces about the past when she would tend to the garden with love and care, but now it is overgrown with weeds. She realizes that just like the garden, her own life has been neglected and she has lost touch with her youthful spirit.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 580 words
First lines
There was a fair green garden sloping From the south-east side of the mountain-ledge; And the earliest tint of the dawn came groping Down through its paths, from the day's dim edge. The bluest skies and the reddest roses Arched and varied its velvet sod; And the glad birds sang, as the soul supposes The angels sing on the hills of God.
I wandered there when my veins seemed bursting With life's rare rapture and keen delight, And yet in my heart was a constant thirsting For something over the mountain-height. I wanted to stand in the blaze of glory That turned to crimson the peaks of snow, And the winds from the west all breathed a story Of realms and regions I longed to know.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lost Garden is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1915 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: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Pastoral, Symbolism
- Length: 580 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lost Garden by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and longing are central to the work.
- Philosophical — Explores deep questions about life, time, and the human condition.
- Pastoral — Depicts an idealized version of rural life and nature.
Tags
Garden · Loss · Nostalgia · Romance · Poetry · Nature · Beauty · Melancholy · Longing · Memory · Past · Love