Begin the Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that each new day brings a chance for renewal and redemption. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of past mistakes and starting anew, with a focus on personal growth and self-improvement. The speaker urges the reader to leave behind the burdens of yesterday and instead look forward to the possibilities of tomorrow.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Inspirational, Religious, Poetry · 186 words
First lines
Begin each morning with a talk to God, And ask for your divine inheritance Of usefulness, contentment, and success. Resign all fear, all doubt, and all despair. The stars doubt not, and they are undismayed, Though whirled through space for countless centuries, And told not why or wherefore: and the sea With everlasting ebb and flow obeys, And leaves the purpose with the unseen Cause.
The star sheds radiance on a million worlds, The sea is prodigal with waves, and yet No lustre from the star is lost, and not One drop is missing from the ocean tides. Oh! brother to the star and sea, know all God's opulence is held in trust for those Who wait serenely and who work in faith.
What this Textopian page supports
Begin the Day is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Inspirational, Religious, Poetry, Philosophical
- Length: 186 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Begin the Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Inspirational first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Inspirational — The text encourages a positive and hopeful start to the day with a focus on divine guidance and faith.
- Religious — The content includes direct references to God and divine inheritance, emphasizing spiritual themes.
- Poetry — The writing style is poetic, with structured verses and a rhythmic flow.
- Philosophical — The text explores existential themes such as purpose, faith, and the natural order of the universe.
Tags
Inspiration · Motivation · Self-Help · Personal Development · Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Mindfulness · Wellness · Positive Thinking · Optimism · Happiness