The Brook by Helen Hay Whitney
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her childhood home after being away for several years. She reflects on her past and the people she has known, particularly a man with whom she had a romantic relationship. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and nostalgia as the protagonist grapples with her memories and the passage of time.
By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Nature · 82 words
First lines
I have a little brook in the deeps of my heart. What does it matter if the day be chill or clear, Coloured like a tourmaline and winged like a dart, Voiced like a nightingale, it sings all the year.
Small bright herbs on the banks of the stream, Moon-pale primroses, and tapestries of fern, This is the reality and life is just a dream, Iridescent bubble that the moon tides turn.
What this Textopian page supports
The Brook is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Helen Hay Whitney
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Nature, Romantic
- Length: 82 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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- Work identity for The Brook by Helen Hay Whitney
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and vivid imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of the lyric genre.
- Nature — The poem features natural imagery and themes, such as brooks, herbs, and moonlight, central to nature writing.
- Romantic — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and the dream-like quality aligns with Romantic literary themes.
Tags
Nature · Poetry · Romance · Realism · American Literature · 19th Century · Feminist Themes · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Love Story · Rural Setting · Social Commentary
More by Helen Hay Whitney
- Sonnets (1905)
- Songs (1905)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE DAYS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE EVERLASTING SNOWS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THRONE AND ALTAR (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: EAST AND WEST (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE BATTLE (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: WATER AND WINE (1898)
- All works by Helen Hay Whitney