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.
Similar titles
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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
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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