Peace Should Not Come
The poem explores the idea that peace and tranquility can be a threat to humanity's progress and innovation. The speaker argues that struggle and strife are necessary for growth and achievement, and that a life without challenges would lead to stagnation and boredom. The poem suggests that humanity needs conflict and adversity to push itself forward and to appreciate the value of peace when it is achieved.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Social Commentary · 269 words
First lines
Peace should not come along this foul, earth way. Peace should not come, until we cleanse the path. God waited for us; now in awful wrath He pours the blood of men out day by day To purify the highroad for her feet. Why, what would Peace do, in a world where hearts Are filled with thoughts like poison-pointed darts? It were not meet, surely it were not meet For Peace to come, and with her white robes hide These industries of death-these guns and swords,- These uniformed, hate-filled, destructive hordes,- These hideous things, that are each nation's pride.
What this Textopian page supports
Peace Should Not Come is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1918 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: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Social Commentary, Religious, Political
- Length: 269 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Peace Should Not Come 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 Peace Should Not Come?
- 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
- Disarmament by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Disarmament by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Crimes Of Peace by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Oh Poor Sick World by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Voices Of The People by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Martyrs Of Peace by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about war, peace, and human nature.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and the glorification of war.
- Religious — References to God and moral judgment are present throughout the text.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · War · Pacifism · Anti-War · Social Commentary · Human Nature · Conflict Resolution · Idealism · Morality · Ethics · Societal Critique