Sympathy by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that humanity is interconnected and that one person's sorrow can be felt by others. It argues that people should be more empathetic and understanding towards each other's struggles and pain, rather than being indifferent or cruel. The speaker describes how they have been hurt by others' lack of sympathy and how it has affected them deeply.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 319 words
First lines
Is the way hard and thorny, oh, my brother? Do tempests beat, and adverse wild winds blow? And are you spent, and broken, at each nightfall, Yet with each morn you rise and onward go? Brother, I know, I know! I, too, have journeyed so.
Is your heart mad with longing, oh, my sister? Are all great passions in your breast aglow? Does the white wonder of your own soul blind you, And are you torn with rapture and with woe? Sister, I know, I know! I, too, have suffered so.
What this Textopian page supports
Sympathy is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Religious, Romantic
- Length: 319 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on overcoming adversity and personal growth.
- Philosophical — The work explores existential questions and the human condition.
- Religious — The text contains spiritual undertones and references to a pilgrim's journey.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Relationships · Emotions · Sympathy · Empathy · Human Connection · Intimacy · Passion · Desire · Longing