The Weed by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of a romantic and passionate love that has been lost due to societal pressures and expectations. The narrator reflects on a past relationship that was intense and all-consuming, but ultimately doomed because it was deemed unacceptable by others. The "weed" referred to in the title is a metaphor for the love that was once strong and flourishing, but was eventually choked out by the constraints of society.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 95 words
First lines
A weed is but an unloved flower! Go dig, and prune, and guide, and wait, Until it learns its high estate, And glorifies some bower. A weed is but an unloved flower!
All sin is virtue unevolved, Release the angel from the clod- Go love thy brother up to God. Behold each problem solved. All sin is virtue unevolved.
What this Textopian page supports
The Weed is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Religious, Nature
- Length: 95 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Weed by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Weed?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Requirement by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Ocean Of Song by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Starry Midnight Whispers by Bliss Carman
- The Echo In The Heart Lyrics Of Labour And Romance by Henry Van Dyke
- A Dream Of Summer by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Sermon Of The Rose by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep moral and existential questions about sin and virtue.
- Inspirational — The content aims to inspire and uplift by suggesting the potential for transformation and growth.
- Religious — The text references spiritual concepts such as God and angels, indicating a religious undertone.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Nature · Philosophy · Spirituality · Free Verse · Imagery · Symbolism · Allegory · Love · Heartbreak · Longing