Wishes by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem expresses a deep yearning for freedom and exploration beyond the confines of everyday life. The speaker is weary of the monotony and limitations of their current existence, desiring to break free and experience the vastness of the world. They long for adventure, symbolized by the imagery of sailing and peering into the sky, suggesting a quest for understanding and fulfillment. The speaker's aspirations reflect a desire to connect with their dreams and the unknown. They wish to transcend their current reality, seeking to discover whether their inner dreams will materialize or fade away. The use of natural imagery, such as the swallow and the moon, emphasizes a connection to the universe and the possibilities that lie beyond the mundane. The poem captures a universal longing for purpose and the exploration of one's potential. It highlights the tension between the constraints of daily life and the desire for something greater, inviting readers to reflect on their own dreams and aspirations. The emotional weight of the speaker's wishes resonates with anyone who has felt trapped by routine and yearns for a more meaningful existence.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 101 words
First lines
I'm tired of pacing the petty round of the ring of the thing I know --
I want to stand on the daylight's edge and see where the sunsets go.
I want to sail on a swallow's tail and peep through the sky's blue glass.
I want to see if the dreams in me shall perish or come to pass.
What this Textopian page supports
Wishes is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, 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: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Symbolism, Modernism
- Length: 101 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and desires, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of longing, nature, and individual experience align with Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The use of imagery and metaphor conveys deeper meanings and emotions.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · African American · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Free Verse · Nature Imagery · Emotional Expression