Attainment by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that true fulfillment and happiness can only be attained through spiritual enlightenment and a connection with the divine, rather than through material wealth or worldly success. The speaker describes how they have sought attainment in various ways, including through knowledge, power, and love, but ultimately found it elusive until they turned to spirituality.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1903 · Genre: Inspirational, Poetry, Philosophical · 163 words
First lines
There is no summit you may not attain, No purpose which you may not yet achieve, If you will wait serenely and believe. Each seeming loss is but a step to'rd gain.
Between the mountain-tops lie vale and plain; Let nothing make you question, doubt, or grieve; Give only good, and good alone receive; And as you welcome joy, so welcome pain.
That which you most desire awaits your word; Throw wide the door and bid it enter in. Speak, and the strong vibrations shall be stirred; Speak, and above earth's loud, unmeaning din Your silent declarations shall be heard. All things are possible to God's own kin.
What this Textopian page supports
Attainment is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Inspirational, Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual, Self-help
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Attainment 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Attainment?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Inspirational first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Inspirational — The text emphasizes positive thinking, belief, and the attainment of goals.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and rhyme.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about purpose, loss, and the nature of good and pain.
- Spiritual — The text references divine kinship and the power of silent declarations, indicating a spiritual dimension.
Tags
Inspiration · Motivation · Self-Help · Personal Development · Philosophy · Spirituality · Poetry · Inspirational Poetry · Uplifting · Empowerment · Mindfulness · Wellness