Mistakes by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of regret and longing for a past love that has been lost due to mistakes made by the speaker. The speaker reflects on the choices they made in the past, realizing that their mistakes led to the loss of their loved one. They express deep sorrow and yearning for what could have been if only they had acted differently.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 201 words
First lines
God sent us here to make mistakes, To strive, to fail, to re-begin, To taste the tempting fruit of sin, And find what bitter food it makes,
To miss the path, to go astray, To wander blindly in the night; But, searching, praying for the light, Until at last we find the way.
And looking back along the past, We know we needed all the strain Of fear and doubt and strife and pain To make us value peace, at last.
Who fails, finds later triumph sweet; Who stumbles once, walks then with care, And knows the place to cry "Beware" To other unaccustomed feet.
What this Textopian page supports
Mistakes 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, Philosophical, Inspirational, Religious
- Length: 201 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the human condition.
- Inspirational — The content aims to provide moral lessons and encouragement.
- Religious — References to God and spiritual growth are prominent.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Inspiration · Motivation · Self-Help · Personal Growth · Reflection · Introspection · Life Lessons · Wisdom · Regret · Error