Time and Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the themes of time and love, presenting a contrast between the fleeting nature of time and the enduring power of love. The speaker reflects on how time can erase physical beauty and material possessions, but love remains unaffected, continuing to grow stronger with each passing day. The poem suggests that love is the only force capable of transcending the limitations of time, making it eternal and immortal.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 241 words
First lines
Time flies. The swift hours hurry by And speed us on to untried ways; New seasons ripen, perish, die, And yet love stays. The old, old love -- like sweet, at first, At last like bitter wine -- I know not if it blest or curst Thy life and mine.
Time flies. In vain our prayers, our tears! We cannot tempt him to delays; Down to the past he bears the years, And yet love stays. Through changing task and varying dream We hear the same refrain, As one can hear a plaintive theme Run through each strain.
What this Textopian page supports
Time and Love is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Classical Literature
- Length: 241 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Time and Love 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 Time and Love?
- 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
- Applause by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Old Rhythm And Rhyme by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Life And I by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Song Of Life by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Wishes by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Song by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and its persistence over time.
- Philosophical — The text contemplates the nature of time and its impact on human emotions and relationships.
- Classical Literature — The writing style and thematic exploration are characteristic of classical literary traditions.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love Poems · Philosophical · Spiritual · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Optimistic · Heartfelt · Emotional · Introspective