The Universal Route
The poem explores the idea that all souls are on a universal journey towards spiritual enlightenment and unity with the divine. It describes this path as being fraught with challenges and difficulties, but ultimately leading to a state of higher consciousness and understanding. The speaker urges the reader to persevere on this journey, despite setbacks and hardships, and to have faith in the ultimate triumph of the soul.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 193 words
First lines
As we journey along, with a laugh and a song, We see, on youth's flower-decked slope, Like a beacon of light, shining fair on the sight, The beautiful Station of Hope.
But the wheels of old Time roll along as we climb, And our youth speeds away on the years; And with hearts that are numb with life's sorrows we come To the mist-covered Station of Tears.
Still onward we pass, where the milestones, alas! Are the tombs of our dead, to the West, Where glitters and gleams, in the dying sunbeams, The sweet, silent Station of Rest.
All rest is but change, and no grave can estrange The soul from its Parent above; And, scorning the rod, it soars back to its God, To the limitless City of Love.
What this Textopian page supports
The Universal Route is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Religious, Allegory
- Length: 193 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Universal Route 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
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetic works.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential concepts such as hope, sorrow, rest, and the soul's journey.
- Inspirational — The work aims to inspire and provide comfort through its depiction of life's journey and ultimate reunion with a higher power.
- Religious — References to the soul returning to God and the 'City of Love' suggest religious undertones.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Inspirational · Motivational · Self-Help · Personal Growth · Mindfulness · Wellness · Optimism · Hope · Faith