Opportunity by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Name: Opportunity
Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The poem explores the idea that opportunity knocks only once and if missed, it may never come again. The speaker describes Opportunity as a fleeting figure who arrives unexpectedly, bringing with him a chance for greatness. However, he is often overlooked or ignored by people who are too busy or distracted to seize the moment.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 46 words

First lines

Send forth your heart's desire, and work and wait; The opportunities of life are brought To our own doors, not by capricious fate, But by the strong compelling force of thought.

What this Textopian page supports

Opportunity is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical
Length: 46 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices.
Inspirational — The themes focus on motivation, self-improvement, and the power of thought.
Philosophical — The content explores ideas about fate, desire, and the nature of opportunity.