This Is My Task by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- The Creed To Be by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Forward by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Ambitions Trail by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- I Am by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Love Thyself Last by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Mission by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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