The River of Sleep
The poem explores the theme of death and the afterlife, describing a river that flows through the land of dreams, where the dead reside. The narrator longs to cross this river, seeking eternal rest and reunion with loved ones who have passed away. The poem's tone is melancholic and introspective, reflecting on the transience of life and the inevitability of death.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Children's Literature · 307 words
First lines
THERE are curious isles in the River of Sleep, Curious isles without number. We'll visit them all as we leisurely creep Down the winding stream whose current is deep, In our beautiful barge of Slumber.
The very first isle in this wonderful stream Quite close to the shore is lying, And after a supper of cakes and cream We come to the Night-Mare-Isle with a scream, And hurry away from it crying.
What this Textopian page supports
The River of Sleep 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, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure, Allegory
- Length: 307 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The River of Sleep 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The River of Sleep?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern.
- Fantasy — The narrative involves imaginative and fantastical elements such as magical islands and dreamscapes.
- Children's Literature — The themes and language are simple and whimsical, appealing to a younger audience.
- Adventure — The journey through various islands suggests an adventurous exploration.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Nature · River · Sleep · Dreams · Imagery · Symbolism · Feminine · Victorian Era · American Literature