Shrines by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that people create shrines for things they love and cherish, but often forget to appreciate what they have while pursuing something more desirable. The speaker reflects on how people idolize distant or unattainable things, neglecting the beauty and value of what is already present in their lives.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1892 · Genre: Spirituality, Poetry, Inspirational · 170 words
First lines
About a holy shrine or sacred place, Where many hearts have bowed in earnest prayer, The loveliest spirits congregate from space, And bring their sweet, uplifting influence there.
If in your chamber you pray oft and well, Soon will these angel-messengers arrive And make their home with you, and where they dwell All worthy toil and purposes shall thrive.
I know a humble, plainly furnished room, So thronged with presences serene and bright, The heaviest heart therein forgets its gloom As in some gorgeous temple filled with light.
What this Textopian page supports
Shrines 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: Spirituality, Poetry, Inspirational, Religious, Philosophical
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Shrines by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Shrines?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Spirituality first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Spirituality — The text focuses on themes of prayer, holy shrines, and divine presence.
- Poetry — The writing style is poetic, with structured verses and rhyming lines.
- Inspirational — The content aims to uplift and inspire through spiritual and motivational messages.
- Religious — The themes revolve around religious practices, such as prayer and the presence of angelic beings.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Philosophical · Spiritual · Mystical · Romantic · Victorian Era · Feminist · Religious · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting