Resurrection by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea of resurrection and the afterlife, presenting a speaker who has died and is now standing before God, awaiting judgment. The speaker recounts their life on earth, describing their struggles with sin and temptation, but also their moments of beauty and joy. They acknowledge their mistakes and weaknesses, but also assert their inherent goodness and desire to be reunited with loved ones who have passed away. Ultimately, the poem suggests that resurrection is not just a physical phenomenon, but a spiritual one, where the soul is reborn into a realm of eternal love and beauty.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 169 words
First lines
Pausing a moment ere the day was done, While yet the earth was scintillant with light, I backward glanced. From valley, plain, and height, At intervals, where my life-path had run, Rose cross on cross; and nailed upon each one Was my dead self. And yet that gruesome sight Lent sudden splendour to the falling night, Showing the conquests that my soul had won.
Up to the rising stars I looked and cried, ‘There is no death! for year on year, re-born I wake to larger life: to joy more great, So many times have I been crucified, So often seen the resurrection morn, I go triumphant, though new Calvaries wait.
What this Textopian page supports
Resurrection is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Spiritual, Reflective
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Resurrection 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 Resurrection?
- 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
- The Land Of The Gone Away Souls by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Spectres by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- When I Pass Thy Door At Night by Bliss Carman
- The Men Made Gods by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Times by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- I Noticed People Disappeared by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential concepts such as life, death, and rebirth.
- Inspirational — The narrative focuses on overcoming struggles and achieving personal growth.
- Spiritual — The text references spiritual and religious imagery, such as crucifixion and resurrection.
Tags
Poetry · Spirituality · Death · Afterlife · Reincarnation · Mystery · Philosophy · Esoteric · Occult · Supernatural · Fantasy · Imagery