Rencontre by Henry Van Dyke (1903)
The poem explores the theme of love and work, contrasting the idealized romance with the harsh realities of labor. The speaker describes a chance encounter between two people, but notes that their meeting is fleeting and lacks substance. The poem critiques societal expectations of romantic love, suggesting it is often superficial and unfulfilling.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 274 words
First lines
Oh, was I born too soon, my dear, or were you born too late, That I am going out the door while you come in the gate?
For you the garden blooms galore, the castle is _en fete_; You are the coming guest, my dear, -- for me the horses wait.
I know the mansion well, my dear, its rooms so rich and wide; If you had only come before I might have been your guide, And hand in hand with you explore the treasures that they hide; But you have come to stay, my dear, and I prepare to ride.
What this Textopian page supports
Rencontre is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Literary
- Length: 274 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, longing, and the passage of time between two individuals.
- Philosophical — The poem reflects on existential themes such as life, time, and the inevitability of parting.
- Literary — The use of rich language and metaphorical imagery aligns with literary traditions.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Labor · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Feminist Themes · Marriage