The Messenger by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that a person's soulmate can be identified through an unspoken connection, and that this connection can transcend time and space. The speaker describes feeling an intense longing for someone they have not yet met, but sense is out there somewhere. They believe that when they do finally meet, it will be as if they have known each other forever.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, War · 649 words
First lines
She rose up in the early dawn, And white and silently she moved About the house. Four men had gone To battle for the land they loved, And she, the mother and the wife, Waited for tidings from the strife. How still the house seemed! and her tread Was like the footsteps of the dead.
The long day passed, the dark night came; She had not seen a human face. Some voice spoke suddenly her name. How loud it echoed in that place Where, day by day, no sound was heard But her own footsteps! "Bring you word," She cried to whom she could not see, "Word from the battle-plain to me?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Messenger is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, War, Historical, Drama
- Length: 649 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Rainbow Of Promise by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Reminders by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Answered by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Response by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- He That Hath Ears by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Revealing Angels by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and evocative language.
- Tragedy — The narrative centers around the profound loss and grief experienced by the protagonist.
- War — The plot revolves around the impact of war on a family, with direct references to battle and soldiers.
- Historical — The setting and context suggest a historical backdrop, likely referencing a specific period of conflict.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Inspirational · Motivational · Philosophical · Spiritual · Mysticism · Occultism · Esoteric · New Thought Movement · Christianity · Religion