Welt by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the passage of time. The speaker reflects on the desire to restore the innocence and beauty of youth, which is now marred by the realities of life. There is a yearning to reconcile with truth, suggesting a struggle between idealism and reality. The imagery of love's moon symbolizes fleeting joy and the transient nature of happiness. The speaker expresses a longing to savor the present moment of love before the inevitable effects of time take their toll, highlighting the tension between desire and the inevitability of aging. The work encapsulates a deep emotional resonance, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of love and the human experience.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 92 words
First lines
Would I might mend the fabric of my youth Which daily flaunts its tatters to my eyes, Would I might compromise awhile with truth Until love's moon, now waxing, wanes and dies.
For I would go a further while with you And draing this Cup of Joy so passing fair, Which meets my parching lips like cooling dew 'Ere time has brushed cold fingers through my hair.
What this Textopian page supports
Welt is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1918 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: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Modernism, Philosophical
- Length: 92 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of youth, love, and the passage of time.
- Romanticism — The themes of love and longing, as well as the emotional depth, align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The personal expression of emotions and thoughts in a reflective manner is indicative of lyric poetry.
- Modernism — The exploration of complex themes and the introspective nature of the poem reflect modernist influences.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century · African American · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature · Existentialism · Philosophy · Spirituality · Mortality · Identity