Time's Gaze by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love. The speaker reflects on how time has erased the memories of their beloved, but their gaze remains etched in their mind. They yearn to relive the moments they shared, but time's passage makes it impossible. The poem conveys a sense of melancholy and resignation, as the speaker acknowledges that some memories are lost forever.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 342 words
First lines
Time looked me in the eyes while passing by The milestone of the year. That piercing gaze Was both an accusation and reproach. No speech was needed. In a sorrowing look More meaning lies than in complaining words, And silence hurts as keenly as reproof.
Oh, opulent, kind giver of rich hours, How have I used thy benefits! As babes Unstring a necklace, laughing at the sound Of priceless jewels dropping one by one, So have I laughed while precious moments rolled Into the hidden corners of the past. And I have let large opportunities For high endeavour move unheeded by, While little joys and cares absorbed my strength.
What this Textopian page supports
Time's Gaze is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Literary, Self-Help
- Length: 342 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Time's Gaze 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's Gaze?
- 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
- If I Should Die by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Eternal by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Now I Lay Me by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- My Heaven by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Lost by Emily Dickinson
- Requirement by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as metaphor and personification.
- Philosophical — The themes revolve around introspection, the passage of time, and existential reflection.
- Inspirational — The narrative encourages self-improvement and the pursuit of higher ideals.
- Literary — The writing style is sophisticated and rich in literary merit.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Spirituality · Mortality · Immortality · Time · Eternity · Love · Loss · Grief · Memory · Nostalgia