Famous Sad Love Poem

When we are new to love, sometimes we fall too quickly and allow ourselves to be put in situations we end up regretting. Everything changes after that. Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) was an American author and poet who became known as a poet even before graduating high school.

Featured Shared Story

I believe this poem is referencing the fleeting duration of the human life span. A leaf in the spring starts out green and tender. Until the frost comes in the fall and gives the leaf a...

Read complete story

Share your story! (2)

Famous Poem

A Fallen Leaf

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox more Ella Wheeler Wilcox

A trusting little leaf of green,
A bold audacious frost;
A rendezvous, a kiss or two,
And youth for ever lost.
Ah, me!
The bitter, bitter cost.

A flaunting patch of vivid red,
That quivers in the sun;
A windy gust, a grave of dust,
The little race is run.
Ah, me!
Were that the only one.

more Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Stories 2
Shares 794
Favorited 12
Votes 230
Rating 4.38

Read More Famous Sad Love Poems

Has this poem touched you? Share your story!

by My ObsE.R.vation, Ontario, Canada
1 year ago

I believe this poem is referencing the fleeting duration of the human life span. A leaf in the spring starts out green and tender. Until the frost comes in the fall and gives the leaf a 'kiss' or two, basically ending the leaf's seasonal life. The 2nd stanza repeats this thought with different wording.

The leaves turn 'vivid red' in the fall.
'Quivering' in the wind until the 'windy gust' blows them to the ground where they turn to dust.
Their 'little race' (life) is over.

Psalm 90:9,10.

by Virginia N. Pritts
3 years ago

A never-ending story, one can imagine, a handsome but cold, reckless man, reckless with the life of a young trusting, blooming girl. A brief encounter, to say the least, that takes away her innocence, virginity, and her ability to trust. Green so green, too young too soon actions that lead to a life of much the same and many to follow with sadness and shame. This a story and my read of the poem. What a delicate and yet clever way to express sorrow's woes. Indeed, a great poem.