Girl of Fifteen
The poem explores the complex emotions of an older observer who watches a young girl on her way to school. The speaker expresses a deep admiration and longing for the girl, symbolizing youth and vitality. This admiration is tinged with a sense of regret and shame due to the significant age difference, highlighting the passage of time and the loss of youth. The speaker feels a connection to the girl, as her presence evokes memories of their own lost youth, represented by the metaphor of lifting the burdens of age. The juxtaposition of the girl’s innocence and the speaker’s experience creates a poignant reflection on the nature of desire, nostalgia, and the inevitable march of time. The speaker's internal conflict reveals a yearning for the vibrancy of youth while grappling with the realities of aging. The imagery of watching from behind the curtain emphasizes feelings of separation and longing, as the speaker remains hidden, unable to bridge the gap between their worlds. Ultimately, the work captures the bittersweet essence of fleeting youth and the emotional weight of growing older.
By James Weldon Johnson · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Coming-of-Age, Romanticism · 147 words
First lines
Girl of fifteen, I see you each morning from my window As you pass on your way to school.
I do more than see, I watch you.
I furtively draw the curtain aside.
And my heart leaps through my eyes And follows you down the street;
What this Textopian page supports
Girl of Fifteen is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Weldon 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: James Weldon Johnson
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Coming-of-Age, Romanticism, Lyric, Modernism
- Length: 147 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Girl of Fifteen by James Weldon Johnson
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Young Warrior by James Weldon Johnson
- The Sands O Dee by James Baldwin
- My Most Distinguished Guest by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Gabrielle De Bergerac by Henry James
- Portrait Of A Young Man With A Bad Heart by William Carlos Williams
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices such as imagery and emotional expression.
- Coming-of-Age — The poem reflects themes of youth, innocence, and the passage of time, highlighting the contrast between adolescence and adulthood.
- Romanticism — The poem expresses deep emotional feelings and a sense of longing, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The poem conveys personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Tags
Coming-of-Age · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Southern Gothic · Literary Fiction · American Literature · Historical Fiction · Young Adult · Female Protagonist · Poverty · Racism · Stereotypes