The Past by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love that has been lost. The speaker reflects on memories of the beloved, recalling their beauty, charm, and kindness. The poem expresses a deep sense of yearning and melancholy, with the speaker acknowledging that the past cannot be recaptured.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 166 words
First lines
Fling my past behind me, like a robe / Worn threadbare in the seams, and out of date. / I have outgrown it. Wherefore should I weep / And dwell up on its beauty, and its dyes / Of Oriental splendour, or complain / That I must needs discard it? I can weave / Upon the shuttles of the future years / A fabric far more durable. Subdued, / It may be, in the blending of its hues, / Where sombre shades commingle, yet the gleam / Of golden warp shall shoot it through and through, / While over all a fadeless lustre lies, / And starred with gems made out of crystalled tears, / My new robe shall be richer than the old.
What this Textopian page supports
The Past is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Literary
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Past 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep reflections on the past and future, and the nature of personal growth.
- Inspirational — The content encourages moving forward and creating a better future, offering a motivational perspective.
- Literary — The writing style is sophisticated and employs rich, descriptive language.
Tags
Nostalgia · Romance · Poetry · Memory · History · Personal Growth · Self-Discovery · Emotional Journey · Psychological Insight · Introspection · Autobiographical Elements · Philosophical Themes