The Word by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the destructive power of gossip and rumors. It describes how a single malicious word can spread quickly, causing irreparable harm to an individual's reputation and relationships. The speaker warns that once spoken, a word cannot be taken back, and its consequences can be devastating.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 234 words
First lines
Oh, a word is a gem, or a stone, or a song, Or a flame, or a two-edged sword; Or a rose in bloom, or a sweet perfume, Or a drop of gall, is a word.
You may choose your word like a connoisseur, And polish it up with art, But the word that sways, and stirs, and stays, Is the word that comes from the heart.
You may work on your word a thousand weeks, But it will not glow like one That all unsought, leaps forth white hot, When the fountains of feeling run.
You may hammer away on the anvil of thought, And fashion your word with care, But unless you are stirred to the depths, that word Shall die on the empty air.
What this Textopian page supports
The Word is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Literary
- Length: 234 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore the nature and power of words, reflecting on their impact and origin.
- Inspirational — The content aims to inspire and provoke thought about the emotional and intellectual significance of words.
- Literary — The writing style is sophisticated and artistic, focusing on the aesthetic quality of language.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Optimistic · Christianity · Religion · Faith · Hope · Love