The Year Outgrows the Spring
The poem explores the theme of disillusionment and the loss of innocence that comes with growing up. It describes how the initial excitement and beauty of life gradually fade away, leaving only disappointment and despair. The speaker reflects on how their youthful ideals and dreams have been crushed by the harsh realities of adulthood.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 270 words
First lines
The year outgrows the spring it thought so sweet, And clasps the summer with a new delight, Yet wearied, leaves her languors and her heat When cool-browed autumn dawns upon his sight.
The tree outgrows the bud's suggestive grace, And feels new pride in blossoms fully blown. But even this to deeper joy gives place When bending boughs 'neath blushing burdens groan.
Life's rarest moments are derived from change. The heart outgrows old happiness, old grief, And suns itself in feelings new and strange; The most enduring pleasure is but brief.
What this Textopian page supports
The Year Outgrows the Spring is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Nature, Romantic
- Length: 270 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep reflections on change, growth, and the nature of human experience.
- Inspirational — The content encourages embracing change and progression, offering a motivational perspective.
- Nature — The imagery and metaphors are heavily drawn from natural elements like seasons, trees, and landscapes.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Seasons · Spring · Growth · Renewal · Hope · Optimism · Inspiration · Motivation · Uplifting · Spiritual