Death's Protest
The poem protests the inevitability of death, arguing that it is unfair to cut short a life filled with love, joy, and potential. The speaker describes the beauty and vitality of life, contrasting it with the darkness and silence of death. The poem expresses anger and frustration at the cruel fate that awaits everyone, regardless of their accomplishments or desires.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 179 words
First lines
Why dost thou shrink from my approach, O Man? Why dost thou ever flee in fear, and cling To my false rival, Life? I do but bring Thee rest and calm. Then wherefore dost thou ban And curse me? Since the forming of God's plan I have not hurt or harmed a mortal thing, I have bestowed sweet balm for every sting, And peace eternal for earth's stormy span.
The wild mad prayers for comfort sent in vain To knock at the indifferent heart of Life, I, Death, have answered. Knowest thou not 'tis he, My cruel rival, who sends all thy pain And wears the soul out in unending strife? Why dost thou hold to him, then, spurning me?
What this Textopian page supports
Death's Protest is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Psychological, Literary
- Length: 179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Prejudice by Georgia Douglas Johnson
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- Retribution by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Silent Tragedy by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- At The Grave In Waldheim by Voltairine De Cleyre
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life, death, and the human condition.
- Religious — References to God's plan and the spiritual aspects of life and death are present.
- Psychological — The work delves into the human psyche, addressing fear, comfort, and the struggle between life and death.
Tags
Poetry · Death · Protest · Social Commentary · Injustice · Human Rights · Activism · Reform · Equality · Freedom · Suffering · Oppression