Impatience

Impatience by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a love poem about longing for someone special to return. When we miss the person we love, even an ordinary day can seem to stretch on forever. The hours that once passed so quickly suddenly feel slow, and waiting becomes harder than we expected.

In this heartfelt poem, Wilcox describes how the days seem to linger while the nights bring comfort through dreams of a loved one. Yet each new morning brings the same realization: there is still more time to wait before they can be together again.

If you are missing someone who is far away, these verses may express feelings you know well. They are also lovely words to share with someone you love, reminding them just how much you look forward to seeing them again.

Until you come again, oh, Love of mine, How can I wait? Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Updated October 23, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Impatience

Poet: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

How can I wait until you come to me?
The once fleet mornings linger by the way;
Their sunny smiles touched with malicious glee
At my unrest, they seem to pause, and play
Like truant children, while I sigh and say,
How can I wait?

How can I wait? Of old, the rapid hours
Refused to pause or loiter with me long;
But now they idly fill their hands with flowers,
And make no haste, but slowly stroll among
The summer blooms, not heeding my one song
How can I wait?

How can I wait? The nights alone are kind;
They reach forth to a future day, and bring
Sweet dreams of you to people all my mind;
And time speeds by on light and airy wing.
I feast upon your face, I no more sing,
How can I wait?

How can I wait? The morning breaks the spell
A pitying night has flung upon my soul.
You are not near me, and I know full well
My heart has need of patience and control;
Before we meet, hours, days, and weeks must roll,
How can I wait?

How can I wait? Oh, Love, how can I wait
Until the sunlight of your eyes shall shine
Upon my world that seems so desolate?
Until your hand-clasp warms my blood like wine;
Until you come again, oh, Love of mine,
How can I wait?

Key Reflections In This Poem

Waiting Can Make Time Feel Slow
When we are eager to see someone we love, the hours can seem longer than usual. Wilcox captures that restless feeling in the repeated question, "How can I wait?"
Dreams Bring Comfort
In the poem, nighttime offers a brief escape from the loneliness of separation. Dreams allow the speaker to feel close to the person she misses.
Love Requires Patience
The speaker knows that days and weeks may pass before the reunion. Her longing reminds us that patience can be especially difficult when our hearts are involved.
Reunion Is Worth Looking Forward To
The final stanza looks ahead to the joy of seeing a loved one's face and holding their hand again. That hope makes the waiting meaningful, even when it feels difficult.

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Conclusion

In Impatience, Ella Wheeler Wilcox describes a feeling many of us understand: the longing to be reunited with someone we love. Her repeated question, "How can I wait?" expresses how slowly time can pass when the person we want to see is far away.

Although separation can be difficult, the poem also reminds us of the happiness we anticipate when we are together again. If you are waiting for someone special, may these words bring comfort and remind you that the joy of reunion can make the long days of waiting worthwhile.

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