New Year by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that a new year brings a sense of renewal and possibility for change, but also acknowledges that people often fail to make meaningful transformations in their lives. The speaker describes the excitement and optimism that comes with the start of a new year, but notes that this enthusiasm is often short-lived, and that people tend to fall back into old habits and patterns.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 423 words
First lines
The year like a ship in the distance Comes over life's mystical sea. We know not what change of existence 'Tis bringing to you or to me. But we wave out the ship that is leaving And we welcome the ship coming in, Although it be loaded with grieving, With trouble, or losses, or sin.
Old year passing over the border, -- And fading away from our view; All idleness, sloth, and disorder, All hatred and spite go with you. All bitterness, gloom, and repining Down into your stronghold are cast. Sail out where the sunsets are shining, Sail out with them into the past.
What this Textopian page supports
New Year 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, Philosophical, Reflective, Spiritual
- Length: 423 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for New Year 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering New Year?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Inspirational — Themes of hope, renewal, and personal growth are prevalent throughout the work.
- Philosophical — The text explores existential themes and the human condition.
- Reflective — The work encourages introspection and contemplation of past and future.
Tags
Poetry · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Reflection · Contemplation · Personal Growth · Self-Improvement · Hope · Optimism · New Beginnings · Renewal