Lean Down by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of love and longing, where the speaker implores their beloved to lean down from heaven and whisper words of comfort and reassurance. The speaker is grief-stricken and yearns for a connection with the deceased loved one, seeking solace in the afterlife.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Romantic · 367 words
First lines
Lean down and lift me higher, Josephine! From the Eternal Hills hast thou not seen How I do strive for heights? but lacking wings, I cannot grasp at once those better things To which I in my inmost soul aspire. Lean down and lift me higher.
I grope along-not desolate or sad, For youth and hope and health all keep me glad; But too bright sunlight, sometimes, makes us blind, And I do grope for heights I cannot find. Oh, thou must know my one supreme desire- Lean down and lift me higher.
What this Textopian page supports
Lean Down is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Romantic, Philosophical, Religious
- Length: 367 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Inspirational — Themes of aspiration, spiritual growth, and seeking higher purpose are central.
- Romantic — The narrative involves a deep emotional connection and longing between the speaker and Josephine.
- Philosophical — Explores existential themes and the human condition, reflecting on life's purpose and struggles.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Feminist Literature · Women's Rights · Social Commentary · Philosophical · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Empowering · Personal Growth · Self-Improvement