The Wheel of the Breast
The poem explores the theme of love and relationships, focusing on a romantic partnership that has reached a critical point. The speaker describes their emotions as a wheel that turns, symbolizing the cyclical nature of their feelings. They express a deep longing for their partner, acknowledging the flaws in their relationship while still yearning for connection and intimacy.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological · 386 words
First lines
Through rivers of veins on the nameless quest The tide of my life goes hurriedly sweeping, Till it reaches that curious wheel o' the breast, The human heart, which is never at rest. Faster, faster, it cries, and leaping, Plunging, dashing, speeding away, The wheel and the river work night and day.
I know not wherefore, I know not whither, This strange tide rushes with such mad force: It glides on hither, it slides on thither, Over and over the selfsame course, With never an outlet and never a source; And it lashes itself to the heat of passion And whirls the heart in a mill-wheel fashion.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wheel of the Breast is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological, Metaphysical, Romantic
- Length: 386 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Wheel of the Breast by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about the nature of life and the human heart.
- Psychological — The work delves into the inner workings of the human mind and emotions.
- Metaphysical — The text uses metaphors and abstract concepts to discuss the human condition.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Feminist Literature · Romanticism · Love Poems · Nature Poetry · Spirituality · Mysticism · Philosophy · Psychology · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth