Romance by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores the evolution of the speaker's perception of romance from childhood to adulthood. Initially, the speaker expresses a hopeful anticipation of romance, envisioning it as a joyful and playful experience. As the speaker matures, this optimism wanes, leading to a sense of uncertainty and doubt about the arrival of romance. The final realization is one of resignation and loss, suggesting that romance is no longer a possibility, and the speaker feels a profound sense of emptiness, as if romance has died. The work captures the transition from innocence to disillusionment, reflecting on the fleeting nature of love and the inevitable passage of time.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1919 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 108 words
First lines
When I was young I used to say: Romance will come riding by And I shall surely smile And play with him awhile.
When I grew older then I said: Romance may come riding by I wonder shall I smile And play with him awhile?
But now --
Alas! I only say: Romance never will come by And I shall never smile He has been dead the while!
What this Textopian page supports
Romance is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1919 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: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Existentialism, Modernism
- Length: 108 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Romance by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Romance?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — The themes explore the idealization and disillusionment of romance.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on love.
- Existentialism — The work contemplates the nature of existence and the absence of romance.
Tags
Poetry · Romanticism · Love · Relationships · Emotions · Sentimental · Intimate · Personal · Autobiographical · Historical · American · 19th Century