Has Been

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    That melancholy phrase "It might have been,"          However sad, doth in its heart enfold          A hidden germ of promise! for I hold     WHATEVER MIGHT HAVE BEEN SHALL BE.         Though in     Some other realm and life, the soul must win          The goal that erst was possible.    But cold          And cruel as the sound of frozen mould     Dropped on a coffin, are the words "Has been."     "She has been beautiful" -"he has been great,"          "Rome has been powerful," we sigh and say.          It is the pitying crust we toss decay,     The dirge we breathe o'er some degenerate state,     An epitaph for fame's unburied dead.     God pity those who live to hear it said!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
The poem under consideration is a profound exploration of the theme of time's passage, potentiality, and regret. Opening with the "melancholy phrase" "It might have been," the poet introduces the recurring motif of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Yet, the poet argues, these lost chances carry a "hidden germ of promise," suggesting that whatever was possible in the past will eventually come to fruition in a different realm or life. This demonstrates an underlying theme of hope and resilience amidst regret, which significantly shapes the poem's tone.

The structure of the poem, two quatrains followed by a couplet, resembles a condensed sonnet, lending the poem a rhythm and formality that underscore its serious subject matter. The poet skillfully uses contrasting imagery to emphasize his theme. For example, the idea of the "hidden germ of promise" is contrasted with the "sound of frozen mould / Dropped on a coffin," a chilling image that vividly conveys the finality and coldness of missed opportunities. Similarly, the phrase "has been" is depicted as a "pitying crust" thrown to decay, a poignant metaphor for the way the past is often discarded or devalued.

The concluding couplet serves as a powerful warning against living in the past, and an appeal for empathy for those trapped in such a state. Thus, the poem as a whole presents a poignant exploration of the themes of time, regret, potentiality, and empathy, using striking imagery and a tightly structured form to convey its complex ideas in a manner that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.

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.