A Song of Life
The poem explores the themes of life, death, and the afterlife. It describes a person's journey from birth to death, and then into the afterlife where they are reunited with loved ones who have passed away. The poem also touches on the idea that life is short and fleeting, and that people should make the most of their time on earth.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 378 words
First lines
In the rapture of life and of living, I lift up my heart and rejoice, And I thank the great Giver for giving The soul of my gladness a voice. In the glow of the glorious weather, In the sweet-scented, sensuous air, My burdens seem light as a feather- They are nothing to bear.
In the strength and the glory of power, In the pride and the pleasure of wealth (For who dares dispute me my dower Of talents and youth-time and health? ), I can laugh at the world and its sages- I am greater than seers who are sad, For he is most wise in all ages Who knows how to be glad.
What this Textopian page supports
A Song of Life is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1889 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Romanticism, Classical
- Length: 378 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Song of Life by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Song of Life?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- If by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- If by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Unattained by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- See by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Life And I by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Time And Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on joy, gratitude, and the beauty of life, aiming to uplift the reader.
- Philosophical — The work explores existential themes and the pursuit of happiness, reflecting on the human condition.
- Romanticism — The text emphasizes emotion, nature, and individualism, characteristic of Romantic literature.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophical · Inspirational · Motivational · Optimistic · Uplifting · Spiritual · Contemplative · Reflective · Meditative · Thought-provoking · Emotional