Illusion by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of disillusionment in love and relationships. The speaker describes a romantic relationship that has lost its magic, with the beloved's eyes, voice, and touch no longer evoking the same emotions. The poem suggests that the illusion of perfect love has been shattered, revealing the reality of imperfection and disappointment.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Philosophical Poetry, Spiritual, Metaphysical · 234 words
First lines
God and I in space alone And nobody else in view. "And where are the people, O Lord," I said, "The earth below, and the sky o'er head, And the dead whom once I knew?"
"That was a dream," God smiled and said- "A dream that seemed to be true. There were no people, living or dead, There was no earth, and no sky o'erhead; There was only Myself-in you."
"Why do I feel no fear," I asked, "Meeting You here this way? For I have sinned I know full well? And is there heaven, and is there hell, And is this the judgment day?"
What this Textopian page supports
Illusion 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: Philosophical Poetry, Spiritual, Metaphysical, Existential, Religious
- Length: 234 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Philosophical Poetry — Explores deep philosophical questions about existence, reality, and the nature of God through poetic form.
- Spiritual — Addresses spiritual themes such as the nature of the soul, the concept of God, and the illusion of individuality.
- Metaphysical — Engages with metaphysical ideas about the nature of reality, dreams, and the self.
- Existential — Questions the existence of the self and the meaning of life, reflecting existentialist themes.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Mystery · Illusion · Reality · Truth · Deception · Love · Relationships · Psychology