Sorry by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1889)
The poem explores the theme of regret and longing in a romantic relationship that has gone sour. The speaker expresses sorrow for past mistakes and unkind words spoken to their former lover, acknowledging that these actions have led to the demise of the relationship.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 374 words
First lines
There is much that makes me sorry as I journey down life's way, / And I seem to see more pathos in poor human lives each day. / I'm sorry for the strong, brave men who shield the weak from harm, / But who, in their own troubled hours, find no protecting arm.
I'm sorry for the victors who have reached success, to stand / As targets for the arrows shot by envious failure's hand. / I'm sorry for the generous hearts who freely shared their wine, / But drink alone the gall of tears in fortune's drear decline.
What this Textopian page supports
Sorry is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Social Commentary
- Length: 374 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sorry by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- What Have You Done by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Warning by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Regret And Remorse by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Sorry by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Foes by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Unsatisfied by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep reflections on human suffering, empathy, and the nature of life.
- Inspirational — The text aims to provide a sense of hope and understanding about the sorrows of life.
- Social Commentary — The work comments on various social issues such as poverty, loneliness, and the human condition.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Romanticism · Love Poems · Heartbreak · Longing · Melancholy · Nostalgia · Regret · Sorrow · Apology · Forgiveness