The Trio by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around three individuals - a poet, a musician, and a painter - who form a trio of artistic souls. They meet at an art exhibition where the poet reads his work, the musician performs, and the painter displays her creations. The trio is drawn to each other's passion and creativity, leading to a deep emotional connection. As they spend more time together, their relationships evolve, and they find themselves entangled in a complex web of love, jealousy, and heartbreak.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 197 words
First lines
We love but once. The great gold orb of light From dawn to even-tide doth cast his ray; But the full splendor of his perfect might Is reached but once throughout the livelong day.
We love but once. The waves, with ceaseless motion, Do day and night plash on the pebbled shore; But the strong tide of the resistless ocean Sweeps in but one hour of the twenty-four.
We love but once. A score of times, perchance, We may be moved in fancy's fleeting fashion -- May treasure up a word, a tone, a glance; But only once we feel the soul's great passion.
What this Textopian page supports
The Trio is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Literary Fiction
- Length: 197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Trio 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 Trio?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the concept of love and its profound impact.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep existential themes such as love, death, and the human condition.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth align with characteristics of literary fiction.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Triangular Affair · Emotions · Passion · Desire · Longing · Heartbreak · Sorrow · Grief