Completion by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and longing. The speaker describes a past romantic encounter that was intense but fleeting, leaving them with a deep sense of loss and yearning. The poem conveys the pain and sadness of loving someone who does not return one's affections, and the struggle to move on from the experience.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical · 570 words
First lines
When I shall meet God's generous dispensers Of all the riches in the heavenly store, Those lesser gods, who act as Recompensers For loneliness and loss upon this shore, Methinks abashed, and somewhat hesitating, My soul its wish and longing will declare. Lest they reply: ‘Here are no bounties waiting: We gave on earth, your portion and your share.'
Then shall I answer: ‘Yea, I do remember The many blessings to my life allowed; My June was always longer than December, My sun was always stronger than my cloud, My joy was ever deeper than my sorrow, My gain was ever greater than my loss, My yesterday seemed less than my to-morrow, The crown looked always larger than the cross.
What this Textopian page supports
Completion is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical, Emotional, Reflective
- Length: 570 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Spiritual — Themes of divine recompense, heavenly store, and spiritual longing are central.
- Philosophical — Explores deep questions about life, loss, and the afterlife.
- Emotional — Expresses profound personal emotions and desires, particularly related to motherhood.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Relationships · Marriage · Heartbreak · Longing · Desire · Passion · Emotional · Introspective · Philosophical