Creation by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that humanity's greatest creations are born from sorrow and struggle. It argues that joy and happiness do not inspire great art, literature, or music, but rather it is the depths of human suffering that spark creativity. The speaker asserts that the most sublime and beautiful works are those that have been tempered by pain and hardship.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 175 words
First lines
The impulse of all love is to create. God was so full of love, in his embrace He clasped the empty nothingness of space, And low! the solar system! High in state The mighty sun sat, so supreme and great With this same essence, one smile of its face Brought myriad forms of life forth; race on race, From insects up to men.
Through love, not hate, All that is grand in nature or in art Sprang into being. He who would build sublime And lasting works, to stand the test of time, Must inspiration draw from his full heart. And he who loveth widely, well, and much, The secret holds of the true master touch.
What this Textopian page supports
Creation is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Religious, Romantic
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Creation by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore the nature of creation, love, and existence.
- Inspirational — The text aims to inspire and uplift through its exploration of love and creativity.
- Religious — The work references God and divine creation, indicating a spiritual or religious undertone.
Tags
Poetry · Spirituality · Philosophy · Religion · Mysticism · Esoteric · Occult · Metaphysics · Cosmology · Theology · Inspiration · Motivation