Retrospect
The poem reflects on the passage of time and the weight of lost love. It conveys a sense of nostalgia and longing for past experiences that have faded into memory. The speaker expresses regret over love that was once vibrant but has since become distant and lifeless, akin to the years that have passed. The imagery of "gilded treasuries" symbolizes the value placed on memories, suggesting that the speaker would trade material wealth for the ability to relive those cherished moments. The work explores themes of love, loss, and the inevitable march of time, emphasizing the emotional impact of memories that linger despite their fading presence. The tone is reflective and melancholic, capturing the essence of yearning for what once was and the bittersweet nature of reminiscence.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 39 words
First lines
Love's kisses spurned so long ago, Dead as the years, that o'er them flow; --
And now, my gilded treasuries Would I might give -- for memories.
What this Textopian page supports
Retrospect is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Modernism, Reflective
- Length: 39 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and imagery.
- Lyric — The poem conveys personal feelings and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, memory, and nostalgia align with Romantic ideals.
- Modernism — The introspective nature and exploration of memory reflect modernist themes.
Tags
Poetry Collection · African American Literature · Early 20th Century Poetry · Free Verse · Social Commentary · Racial Identity · Feminist Themes · Domestic Life · Marriage · Motherhood · Childbirth · Family Dynamics