Now I Lay Me by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the afterlife. The speaker describes their own death, lying in a grave surrounded by flowers and trees. They reflect on their life, remembering joys and sorrows, but also acknowledging the fleeting nature of human existence. The poem concludes with the speaker's acceptance of death, finding peace in the eternal silence.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational · 229 words
First lines
When I pass from earth away, Palsied though I be and grey, May my spirit keep so young That my failing, faltering tongue Frames that prayer so dear to me, Taught me at my mother's knee: "_Now I lay me down to sleep_," (Passing to Eternal rest On the loving parent breast) "_I pray the Lord my soul to keep_; " (From all danger safe and calm In the hollow of His palm; ) "_If I should die before I wake_," (Drifting with a bated breath Out of slumber into death,) "_I pray the Lord my soul to take_. " (From the body's claim set free Sheltered in the Great to be.) Simple prayer of trust and truth. Taught me in my early youth -- Let my soul its beauty keep When I lay me down to sleep.
What this Textopian page supports
Now I Lay Me is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational, Reflective
- Length: 229 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs rhyme and meter.
- Religious — The content revolves around a prayer and themes of faith and spirituality.
- Inspirational — The themes include trust, truth, and the beauty of a simple prayer.
- Reflective — The poem reflects on life, death, and the transition to the afterlife.
Tags
Poetry · Death · Mortality · Reflection · Contemplation · Spirituality · Philosophy · Life · Afterlife · Soul · Eternity · Existentialism