Justice by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of justice and morality, presenting a contrast between the harshness of human justice and the mercy of divine justice. It describes a scene where a condemned man is being led to execution, while a crowd of onlookers gathers to witness the event. The poem then shifts its focus to the spiritual realm, where the soul of the condemned man is judged by a higher power.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 155 words
First lines
However inexplicable may seem / Event and circumstance upon this earth, / Though favours fall on those whom none esteem, / And insult and indifference greet worth; / Though poverty repays the life of toil, / And riches spring where idle feet have trod, / And storms lay waste the patiently tilled soil- / Yet Justice sways the universe of God.
As undisturbed the stately stars remain / Beyond the glare of day's obscuring light, / So Justice dwells, though mortal eyes in vain / Seek it persistently by reason's sight. / But when, once freed, the illumined soul looks out. / Its cry will be, ‘O God, how could I doubt! '
What this Textopian page supports
Justice is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Inspirational
- Length: 155 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Justice by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- By Their Works by John Greenleaf Whittier
- To Liberty by Oliver Herford
- Fishers Of Men by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Peace Should Not Come by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Retribution by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- To George B Cheever by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about justice, morality, and the human condition.
- Religious — References to God and the universe suggest a spiritual or religious perspective.
- Inspirational — The text aims to inspire and uplift by addressing the concept of divine justice.
Tags
Poetry · Social Justice · Philosophy · Morality · Ethics · Human Rights · Equality · Freedom · Liberty · Injustice · Oppression · Rebellion