
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past time. It describes a person's reminiscence about their childhood and the passing of time. The speaker reflects on how they used to play in a creek, climb trees, and pick wildflowers. They express sadness and regret over the loss of innocence and the fleeting nature of youth.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Satirical Poetry · 187 words
Not to lament that rival flame / Wherewith the heartless Glycera scorns you, / Nor waste your time in maudlin rhyme, / How many a modern instance warns you.
Fair-browed Lycoris pines away / Because her Cyrus loves another; / The ruthless churl informs the girl / He loves her only as a brother.
For he, in turn, courts Pholoe -- / A maid unscotched of love's fierce virus -- / Why, goats will mate with wolves they hate / Ere Pholoe will mate with Cyrus!
Ah, weak and hapless human hearts -- / By cruel Mother Venus fated / To spend this life in hopeless strife, / Because incongruously mated!
Horace I, 33 is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1897 CE.
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Humor · Satire · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Whimsical · Witty · Irony · Social Commentary · Cultural Critique · Playful · Lighthearted