Winter Rain by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the themes of love, loss, and longing. It describes a winter rain that mirrors the speaker's melancholy mood, evoking memories of a past love that has been lost. The rain serves as a metaphor for the tears the speaker has cried, and the cold winter weather symbolizes the chill in their heart.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature · 163 words
First lines
Falling upon the frozen world last I heard the slow beat of the Winter rain- Poor foolish drops, down-dripping all in vain; The ice-bound Earth but mocked their puny might, Far better had the fixedness of white And uncomplaining snows-which make no sign, But coldly smile, when pitying moonbeams shine- Concealed its sorrow from all human sight. Long, long ago, in blurred and burdened years, I learned the uselessness of uttered woe. Though sinewy Fate deals her most skilful blow, I do not waste the gall now of my tears, But feed my pride upon its bitter, while I look straight in the world's bold eyes, and smile.
What this Textopian page supports
Winter Rain is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature, Psychological
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Winter Rain by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Discussion starters
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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 existential reflections on sorrow, fate, and human resilience.
- Nature — The imagery and metaphors are heavily drawn from natural elements like rain, ice, and snow.
- Psychological — The narrative delves into the internal emotional states and coping mechanisms of the speaker.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Nature · Seasonal · Winter · Rain · Imagery · Sensuality · Love · Longing · Melancholy · Nostalgia