A Girl's Autumn Reverie

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Reflective Poem
    We plucked a red rose, you and I,          All in the summer weather;     Sweet its perfume and rare its bloom,          Enjoyed by us together.     The rose is dead, the summer fled,          And bleak winds are complaining;     We dwell apart, but in each heart          We find the thorn remaining.     We sipped a sweet wine, you and I,          All in the summer weather.     The beaded draught we lightly quaffed,          And filled the glass together.     Together we watched its rosy glow,          And saw its bubbles glitter;     Apart, alone we only know          The lees are very bitter.     We walked in sunshine, you and I,          All in the summer weather:     The very night seemed noonday bright,          When we two were together.     I wonder why with our good-bye          O'er hill and vale and meadow     There fell such shade, our paths seemed laid          For evermore in shadow.     We dreamed a sweet dream, you and I,          All in the summer weather,     Where rose and wine and warm sunshine          Were mingled in together.     We dreamed that June was with us yet,          We woke to find December.     We dreamed that we two could forget,          We woke but to remember.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant exploration of the transient nature of love and happiness, as well as the enduring pain of loss. Its repetitive structure, mirroring the cyclical pattern of the seasons, underscores the inevitability and universality of these experiences. Each stanza begins with a shared, joyous moment "in the summer weather" between the speaker and an unnamed companion. By the end of each stanza, this unity and warmth have given way to solitude and coldness, representing the passage from the blissful peak of love to its sorrowful aftermath.

The recurring motif of summer and its associated elements — the red rose, sweet wine, sunshine, and June — symbolize the fleeting beauty of romantic passion. As these symbols decay or disappear, they leave behind painful traces, such as the rose's thorn and the wine's bitter lees. These remnants serve as poignant reminders of lost love and happiness. The change in tone from blissful remembrance to melancholic acceptance further reinforces this theme of loss. The deliberate use of contrast between the warmth of summer and the cold of winter, day and night, and dreaming and waking not only highlights the stark difference between the joy of being in love and the desolation of its end, but also points to the cyclical nature of life and human emotions. The poem's subtle rhyming and rhythmic patterns also contribute to its melancholic and reflective atmosphere. Overall, the poem is a beautiful, if somewhat sorrowful, meditation on love's fleetingness and the enduring pain of its loss.

Understanding Reflective Poetry

Reflective poetry is a form of verse that explores the thoughts, emotions, and meditations of the poet. It often delves into personal experiences, memories, and philosophical musings, offering a window into the poet's inner world.

Reflective poems are characterized by their introspective nature, allowing readers to connect with the poet’s contemplations on life, existence, and the human condition. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Personal Reflection: These poems often center on the poet's own thoughts and feelings, offering a deep dive into their emotional or intellectual state.
  • Philosophical Musings: Reflective poetry frequently addresses larger existential questions, providing a space for the poet to ponder life’s meaning, purpose, and the nature of reality.
  • Imagery and Symbolism: Poets use vivid imagery and rich symbolism to convey their reflections, often drawing on nature, art, or personal experiences to express complex ideas.
  • Quiet and Contemplative Tone: Reflective poems typically have a calm, meditative tone, inviting readers to pause and reflect alongside the poet.

Reflective poetry provides a unique avenue for exploring the poet’s inner world, inviting readers to engage in their own reflections as they journey through the verses.