Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

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    Up from the South come the birds that were banished,
        Frightened away by the presence of frost.
    Back to the vale comes the verdure that vanished,
        Back to the forest the leaves that were lost.
    Over the hillside the carpet of splendor,
        Folded through Winter, Spring spreads down again;
    Along the horizon, the tints that were tender,
        Lost hues of Summer time, burn bright as then.

    Only the mountains' high summits are hoary,
        To the ice-fettered river the sun gives a key.
    Once more the gleaming shore lists to the story
        Told by an amorous Summer-kissed sea.
    All things revive that in Winter time perished,
        The rose buds again in the light o' the sun,
    All that was beautiful, all that was cherished,
        Sweet things and dear things and all things - save one.

    Late, when the year and the roses were lying
        Low with the ruins of Summer and bloom,
    Down in the dust fell a love that was dying,
        And the snow piled above it, and made it a tomb.
    Lo! now! the roses are budded for blossom - 
        Lo! now! the Summer is risen again.
    Why dost thou bud not, O Love of my bosom?
        Why dost thou rise not, and thrill me as then?

    Life without love, is a year without Summer,
        Heart without love, is a wood without song.
    Rise then, revive then, thou indolent comer,
        Why dost thou lie in the dark earth so long?
    Rise! ah, thou canst not! the rose-tree that sheddest
        Its beautiful leaves, in the Spring time may bloom,
    But of cold things the coldest, of dead things the deadest,
        Love buried once, rises not from the tomb.
    Green things may grow on the hillside and heather,
        Birds seek the forest and build there and sing.
    All things revive in the beautiful weather,
        But unto a dead love there cometh no Spring.

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Type of Poem: Elegy

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem presents a striking exploration of the cyclic nature of life and the immutable finality of lost love, employing vivid imagery and the changing seasons as metaphors. The poet starts by painting a vivid picture of a landscape awakening from winter's frost into the vibrancy of spring, with birds returning and verdure re-emerging. This sets up a compelling contrast with the persistent sorrow of a love that has died and cannot be revived, unlike the rest of nature.

The tone of the poem is a mixture of joyous celebration and tragic lament, creating an emotionally complex landscape that mirrors the physical one being described. The poet effectively uses the literary device of personification to give human emotions to nature. The 'amorous Summer-kissed sea' and the 'ice-fettered river' help to underscore the theme of cyclical rebirth, while also establishing a sense of longing for the 'Love of my bosom' to rise and revive as well.

The poem ends on a poignant note with the powerful line, 'But unto a dead love there cometh no Spring,' reinforcing the theme of an irrevocable loss that stands in stark contrast to the renewal happening all around. The poet's skillful use of rhyme and rhythm throughout the poem further enhances its emotional resonance, making it a moving meditation on love, loss, and the inexorable march of time.