Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a well-known American author who is also remembered for her poetry. The latter was what made her name due to her broad popularity with the public. Her pieces were upbeat and optimistic. She also wrote an autobiography published in 1918.
‘Solitude’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox describes the connection between one’s outlook on life and the friends and community one attracts.
Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep, and you weep alone;
For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s ‘Christ Crucified’ depicts a spiritual journey, exposing suffering and urging empathy, revealing Christ’s continued crucifixion.
Now ere I slept, my prayer had been
that I might see my way
To do the will of Christ, our Lord
and Master, day by day;
Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s ‘Thanksgiving’ urges gratitude for hidden blessings and mindfulness in the pursuit of joy amidst worries.
We walk on starry fields of white
And do not see the daisies;
For blessings common in our sight
We rarely offer praises.
‘Artist’s Life’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox describes the personal and emotional connection a speaker has to Strauss’ composition, Artist’s Life.
Of all the waltzes the great Strauss wrote,
mad with melody, rhythm—rife
From the very first to the final note,
Give me his “Artist’s Life!”
‘Bleak Weather’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox describes the coming of winter and how the newly “bleak” days might impact a relationship.
Dear love, where the red lillies blossomed and grew,
The white snows are falling;
And all through the wood, where I wandered with you,
The loud winds are calling;
‘I Love You’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox describes the passionate, warm, and youthful love that exists between a speaker and her intended listener.
I love your lips when they’re wet with wine
And red with a wild desire;
I love your eyes when the lovelight lies
Lit with a passionate fire.
‘Life’s Scars’ by Wilcox delves into the sad truth that the deepest wounds are often inflicted by those closest to us.
They say the world is round, and yet
I often think it square,
So many little hurts we get
From corners here and there.
‘Love’s Language’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox describes how Love speaks through the emotions, actions and inactions of soon to be, or already established, lovers
How does Love speak?
In the faint flush upon the tell-tale cheek,
And in the pallor that succeeds it; by
The quivering lid of an averted eye—
‘Smiles’ by Wilcox advocates for positivity through life’s trials, suggesting smiles as a means to uplift both self and others.
Smile a little, smile a little,
As you go along,
Not alone when life is pleasant,
But when things go wrong.
‘The Word’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox describes the ways in which words can be interpreted and the importance of speaking directly from the heart.
Oh, a word is a gem, or a stone, or a song,
Or a flame, or a two-edged sword;
Or a rose in bloom, or a sweet perfume,
Or a drop of gall is a word.
‘The Year’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a six stanza poem that is divided into sets of two lines, also known as couplets. She goes on in the second half of the poem to list out additional parts of life in order to show their connection and simultaneous presence.
What can be said in New Year rhymes,
That's not been said a thousand times?
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