This Is My Task
The poem's narrator recounts a tragic love story where the speaker's lover has abandoned them for another woman. The narrator expresses their anguish and despair, feeling that their heart has been shattered into a million pieces. They lament that their lover has forgotten the vows they made to each other and has instead chosen a newer, more beautiful face.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 409 words
First lines
When the whole world resounds with rude alarms Of warring arms, When God's good earth, from border unto border Shows man's disorder, Let me not waste my dower of mortal might In grieving over wrongs I cannot right. This is my task: amid discordant strife To keep a clean sweet centre in my life; And though the human orchestra may be Playing all out of key- To tune my soul to symphonies above, And sound the note of love. This is my task.
What this Textopian page supports
This Is My Task is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Religious, Self-Help
- Length: 409 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for This Is My Task by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Forward by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- I Am by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Inspirational — The themes revolve around personal growth, faith, and maintaining inner peace.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep questions about faith, morality, and the human condition.
- Religious — There are numerous references to God, faith, and religious practices.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Women Authors · Inspirational · Motivational · Philosophical · Spiritual · Personal Growth · Self-Improvement · Empowerment · Individuality · Autonomy