Life's Harmonies by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that life is a harmonious blend of contrasting elements, where joy and sorrow, love and loss, and beauty and ugliness coexist and complement each other. It argues that a life without contrasts would be dull and unfulfilling, and that it is the juxtaposition of opposites that gives life its richness and meaning.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 144 words
First lines
Let no man pray that he know not sorrow, / Let no soul ask to be free from pain, / For the gall of to-day is the sweet of to-morrow, / And the moment's loss is the lifetime's gain.
Through want of a thing does its worth redouble, / Through hunger's pangs does the feast content, / And only the heart that has harbored trouble, / Can fully rejoice when joy is sent.
Let no man shrink from the bitter tonics / Of grief, and yearning, and need, and strife, / For the rarest chords in the soul's harmonies, / Are found in the minor strains of life.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep reflections on sorrow, pain, and the human condition.
- Inspirational — The content aims to provide comfort and motivation through its exploration of overcoming adversity.
- Literary — The writing style is sophisticated and employs a high level of literary craftsmanship.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Inspiration · Motivation · Self-Help · Personal Growth · Wellness · Mindfulness · Optimism · Hope · Positive Thinking
What this Textopian page supports
Life's Harmonies is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1916 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Literary
- Length: 144 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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