Desolation.

Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox


             I think that the bitterest sorrow or pain
         Of love unrequited, or cold death's woe,
         Is sweet compared to that hour when we know
             That some grand passion is on the wane;

             When we see that the glory and glow and grace
         Which lent a splendor to night and day
         Are surely fading, and showing the gray
             And dull groundwork of the commonplace;

             When fond expressions on dull ears fall,
         When the hands clasp calmly without one thrill,
         When we cannot muster by force of will
             The old emotions that came at call;

             When the dream has vanished we fain would keep,
         When the heart, like a watch, runs out of gear,
         And all the savor goes out of the year,
             Oh, then is the time - if we can - to weep!

             But no tears soften this dull, pale woe;
         We must sit and face it with dry, sad eyes.
         If we seek to hold it, the swifter joy flies - 
             We can only be passive, and let it go.

Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem traces the trajectory of a dying love, a theme that is universal and eternally poignant. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with a touch of acceptance towards the end. The speaker conveys the sorrow and pain that accompanies the realization of fading passion, comparing it to the bitterness of unrequited love and death, but ultimately acknowledging it as an inevitable part of life.

The poem is structured in four quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme, a format that offers a sense of rhythm and order amidst the emotional turmoil being depicted. The consistent structure also mirrors the inevitability of the cycle of love and loss, further emphasizing the theme.

The poet makes effective use of vivid imagery and metaphors to illustrate the emotions involved. For instance, "the heart, like a watch, runs out of gear" conveys the feeling of desolation and loss of rhythm in life when love fades. Similarly, "the savor goes out of the year" encapsulates the dullness that pervades life when passion wanes. The final lines convey a sense of resignation and acceptance, hinting at the futility of resistance. Overall, the poem is a poignant exploration of the ebb and flow of passion and the melancholy of a love that has run its course.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.


Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.