Give by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1887)
The poem explores the theme of selfless love and sacrifice. The speaker describes a person who gives freely of their time, energy, and resources to others without expecting anything in return. This generosity is portrayed as a natural and effortless act, with the giver deriving joy from the simple act of giving. The poem also touches on the idea that those who give freely are often misunderstood or unappreciated by others, but this does not deter them from continuing to give.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 200 words
First lines
Give, and thou shalt receive. Give thoughts of cheer, Of courage and success, to friend and stranger. And from a thousand sources, far and near, Strength will be sent thee in thy hour of danger.
Give words of comfort, of defence, and hope, To mortals crushed by sorrow and by error. And though thy feet through shadowy paths may grope, Thou shalt not walk in loneliness or terror.
Give of thy gold, though small thy portion be. Gold rusts and shrivels in the hand that keeps it. It grows in one that opens wide and free. Who sows his harvest is the one who reaps it.
What this Textopian page supports
Give 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: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Self-Help, Religious
- Length: 200 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Message by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The World Grows Better by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Smiles by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Understood by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- You And To Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on giving, positivity, and moral encouragement.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep themes about the nature of giving and receiving.
- Self-Help — The text provides advice and guidance on how to live a fulfilling life.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Inspirational · Motivational · Self-Help · Personal Growth · Wellness · Mindfulness · Positive Thinking · Optimism · Happiness