IF by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1914)
The poem explores the idea that if certain circumstances had occurred, the speaker's life would have been vastly different. The speaker reflects on past choices and opportunities, wondering what would have happened if they had taken a different path. The poem expresses a sense of longing and regret for what could have been, but also acknowledges the impossibility of changing the past.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 201 words
First lines
'Twixt what thou art, and what thou wouldst be, let No "If" arise on which to lay the blame. Man makes a mountain of that puny word, But, like a blade of grass before the scythe, It falls and withers when a human will, Stirred by creative force, sweeps toward its aim.
Thou wilt be what thou couldst be. Circumstance Is but the toy of genius. When a soul Burns with a god-like purpose to achieve, All obstacles between it and its goal Must vanish as the dew before the sun.
"If" is the motto of the dilettante And idle dreamer; 'tis the poor excuse Of mediocrity. The truly great Know not the word, or know it but to scorn, Else had Joan of Arc a peasant died, Uncrowned by glory and by men unsung.
What this Textopian page supports
IF is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Motivational, Literary
- Length: 201 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and metaphor.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on self-improvement, determination, and overcoming obstacles.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about human potential, willpower, and the nature of success.
- Motivational — The content aims to motivate readers to strive for greatness and dismiss excuses.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophical · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Optimistic · Spiritual · Thought-provoking · Reflective · Contemplative · Meditative · Imaginative