He Will Not Come

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    Take out the blossom in your hair abloom,          No more it seemeth beautiful, or bright,     And sickening is its subtly sweet perfume -         He will not come to-night.     Take off the necklace with its sparkling gem,          And rings that glow and glitter in the light,     And fling them in the case that waits for them -         He will not come to-night.     Take off the robe a little while ago          You chose, to make you fairer in his sight;     'Tis ten o'clock.    So late you can but know         He will not come to-night.     He will not come.    God grant you strength and grace,          For never more upon your mortal sight     Shall dawn a glimpse of that beloved face         That did not come to-night.     He will not come.    And through the shadowed years,          The perfume of that blossom that you wore     Shall stir the fount of salt and bitter tears -         For one who comes no more.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem grapples with themes of loss, disappointment, and the ephemeral nature of beauty and love. The repetition of "He will not come to-night" underscores a profound sense of longing and unfulfilled expectations, while also creating a rhythmic structure that mirrors the relentless passing of time.

The poet employs rich imagery, using objects such as the blossom, necklace, and robe to symbolize the speaker's preparation and anticipation of her lover's arrival. Their subsequent removal signifies not only the realization of his absence but also the stripping away of hope and joy. This is further emphasized by the contrast between the bright, vibrant descriptions at the beginning and the darker, melancholic tone that follows. The bloom's "subtly sweet perfume" that initially stands for romantic anticipation later becomes a trigger for "salt and bitter tears," showcasing a clever use of olfactory imagery to denote the transition from hope to despair.

The final lines, "For one who comes no more," lend a sense of finality, suggesting the lover's permanent absence, possibly due to death. This enhances the poem's poignant exploration of love and loss, leaving the reader with an indelible sense of the fragility of human relationships and the enduring pain of unrequited longing.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.