Upon the Sand by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of lost love and longing. The speaker reflects on a past relationship that has ended, and they are left to ponder what could have been. The "sand" in the title serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of human connections and the impermanence of love. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses a deep sense of yearning and nostalgia for a love that is now lost.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1882 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 166 words
First lines
All love that has not friendship for its base Is like a mansion built upon the sand. Though brave its walls as any in the land, And its tall turrets lift their heads in grace; Though skilful and accomplished artists trace Most beautiful designs on every hand, And gleaming statues in dim niches stand, And fountains play in some flow'r-hidden place:
Yet, when from the frowning east a sudden gust Of adverse fate is blown, or sad rains fall, Day in, day out, against its yielding wall, Lo! the fair structure crumbles to the dust. Love, to endure life's sorrow and earth's woe, Needs friendship's solid mason-work below.
What this Textopian page supports
Upon the Sand is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Literary
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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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 foundational elements.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep themes about the nature of love and friendship.
- Literary — The writing style is sophisticated and employs rich, descriptive language.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Spirituality · Mortality · Longing · Desire · Beauty · Melancholy