Wings of a Dove (of Birds and Flowers)
The story revolves around a young woman who lives in the countryside with her family. She is kind and gentle, often referred to as a dove due to her peaceful nature. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and redemption through her experiences. The protagonist's life changes when she meets a man from the city, who brings modern ideas and values into her rural world. This encounter sparks a series of events that challenge her traditional way of living and force her to confront her own desires and limitations. Throughout the story, the author uses imagery and symbolism to convey the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for individuality in a society governed by strict social norms.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romantic · 426 words
Editions
First lines
I. At sunset, when the rosy light was dying / Far down the pathway of the west, / I saw a lonely dove in silence flying, / To be at rest.
Pilgrim of air, I cried, could I but borrow / Thy wandering wings, thy freedom blest, / I'd fly away from every careful sorrow, / And find my rest.
What this Textopian page supports
Wings of a Dove (of Birds and Flowers) is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romantic, Philosophical
- Length: 426 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Wings of a Dove (of Birds and Flowers) by Henry Van Dyke
- 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, and focuses on lyrical expression.
- Nature — The themes and imagery are heavily centered around birds, flowers, and natural settings.
- Romantic — The text explores themes of love, longing, and emotional connection, characteristic of romantic literature.
- Philosophical — The work contemplates existential themes such as freedom, rest, and the search for peace.
Tags
Christianity · Poetry · Spirituality · Nature · Symbolism · Faith · Hope · Love · Beauty · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory