The Empty Bowl by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of loneliness and isolation. The speaker describes an empty bowl, which serves as a metaphor for their emotional state. They reflect on how the bowl was once filled with love, laughter, and warmth but is now devoid of any comfort or joy. The poem conveys a sense of longing and despair, emphasizing the pain of being alone and forgotten.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical · 169 words
First lines
I held the golden vessel of my soul / And prayed that God would fill it from on high. / Day after day the importuning cry / Grew stronger-grew, a heaven-accusing dole / Because no sacred waters laved my bowl. / ‘So full the fountain, Lord, wouldst Thou deny / The little needed for a soul's supply? / I ask but this small portion of Thy whole. ' / Then from the vast invisible Somewhere, / A voice, as one love-authorised by Him, / Spake, and the tumult of my heart was stilled. / ‘Who wants the waters must the bowl prepare; / Pour out the self, that chokes it to the brim, / But emptied vessels, from the source are filled. '
What this Textopian page supports
The Empty Bowl is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical, Inspirational
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Empty Bowl 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
- Response by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- I Dream by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Reflection by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Thoughts by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Resolve by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Action by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Spiritual — The themes revolve around spiritual growth, divine communication, and the soul's relationship with a higher power.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep philosophical questions about existence, self, and the divine.
- Inspirational — The narrative aims to inspire readers to seek spiritual fulfillment and personal growth.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Philosophical · Spiritual · Inspirational · Motivational · Self-Help · Personal Growth · Mindfulness · Inner Strength · Empowerment · Women's Rights