The Call by Virna Sheard (1910)
The work centers on a powerful summons from nature that contrasts sharply with the confining allure of urban life. It portrays a landscape imbued with the gentle, persistent call of natural elements—a distant sea, whispering winds, murmuring pines, softly rustling wheat, and vast open roads—that beckon the listener to abandon the artificial trappings of city existence. The narrative voice invokes imagery suggestive of a soulful journey toward a more authentic, rural existence, where the enduring beauty of hills, rivers, and prairies offers a refuge from the transient distractions of modernity. The text suggests that within the harmonious rhythms of the natural world lies a remedy for the weariness engendered by urban confinement. It speaks to the idea that the land itself, with its ever-present cycles and silent wisdom, extends an invitation to rediscover a sense of purpose, connection, and inner strength. The natural call is depicted both as a literal summoning and as a metaphorical awakening—a reminder of the enduring gifts provided by the earth, capable of offering solace and renewal when the burdens of modern living become too heavy. By contrasting the fleeting lures of city life with the perpetual, life-affirming beauty of untouched landscapes, the work advocates for a return to nature as a means of rebalancing a life adrift in artificiality. It posits that true fulfillment and joy can be found when one follows the quiet, persistent call of the natural world—a call that promises not only physical refreshment but also an awakening of the inner spirit.
By Virna Sheard · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Romantic · 215 words
First lines
Across the dusty, foot-worn street Unblessed of flower or tree, Faint and far-off -- there ever sounds The calling of the sea.
From out the quiet of the hills, Where purple shadows lie, The pine trees murmur, "Come and rest And let the world go by."
The west wind whispers all night long "Oh, journey forth afar To the green and pleasant places Where little rivers are!"
And the soft and silken rustling Of bending yellow wheat Says, "See the harvest moon -- that dims The arc-lights of the street."
What this Textopian page supports
The Call is listed on Textopian as a poem by Virna Sheard, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Virna Sheard
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Pastoral, Romantic, Philosophical, Symbolism
- Length: 215 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Call by Virna Sheard
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is composed entirely in verse, featuring structured rhyme and meter indicative of poetic form.
- Pastoral — The text emphasizes rural landscapes and the call of nature, characteristic of pastoral themes.
- Romantic — The language and imagery evoke emotional idealization of nature and a journey toward beauty.
- Philosophical — The underlying themes of calling, journey, and transcendence suggest an exploration of deeper existential ideas.
Tags
historical fiction · women's literature · drama · romance · social issues · self-discovery · identity crisis · coming-of-age · moral dilemma · emotional journey · family relationships · spiritual quest