The World-Child
The poem explores the idea that humanity is a collective child of the world, emphasizing the interconnectedness and oneness of all people. It describes how individuals are shaped by their environment and experiences, and how they in turn shape the world around them. The speaker argues that humanity's struggles and conflicts arise from its own ignorance and selfishness, rather than any inherent flaws in the world itself. Ultimately, the poem presents a vision of a harmonious and peaceful world, where humanity recognizes its place within the natural order and lives in balance with the environment.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological · 360 words
First lines
At times I am the mother of the world; And mine seem all its sorrows, and its fears. That rose, which in each mother-heart is curled, The rose of pity, opens with my tears, And, waking in the night, I lie and hark To the lone sobbing, and the wild alarms, Of my World-child, a wailing in the dark: The child I fain would shelter in my arms. I call to it (as from another room A mother calls, what time she cannot go): ‘Sleep well, dear world; Love hides behind this gloom. There is no need for wakefulness or woe, The long, long night is almost past and gone, The day is near. ' And yet the world weeps on.
What this Textopian page supports
The World-Child is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological, Literary Fiction, Inspirational
- Length: 360 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Creation by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Progression by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Beyond by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Pendulum by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Ascension by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Structure by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential and emotional questions about the human condition.
- Psychological — The narrative delves into the inner emotional states and mental processes of the speaker.
- Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes complex themes and stylistic prose over plot.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Mysticism · Esoteric · Occult · New Thought · Metaphysics · Cosmology · Universal Consciousness · Higher Self · Divine Nature