Three Friends by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and the consequences of repressing one's emotions. The narrator reflects on a past relationship with a friend who was deeply in love with them, but they did not reciprocate their feelings. Instead, they married someone else, leaving their friend heartbroken.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 279 words
First lines
Of all the blessings which my life has known, I value most, and most praise God for three: Want, Loneliness, and Pain, those comrades true,
Who masqueraded in the garb of foes For many a year, and filled my heart with dread. Yet fickle joys, like false, pretentious friends, Have proved less worthy than this trio. First,
Want taught me labour, led me up the steep And toilsome paths to hills of pure delight, Trod only by the feet that know fatigue, And yet press on until the heights appear.
Then loneliness and hunger of the heart Sent me upreaching to the realms of space, Till all the silences grew eloquent, And all their loving forces hailed me friend.
What this Textopian page supports
Three Friends is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Spiritual, Autobiographical
- Length: 279 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential concepts such as the value of suffering and the nature of true blessings.
- Inspirational — The narrative focuses on finding strength and enlightenment through adversity, aiming to inspire readers.
- Spiritual — The text delves into spiritual growth and communion with a higher power through life's challenges.
Tags
Friendship · Romance · Drama · Tragedy · Love Triangle · Social Class · Wealth · Poverty · Marriage · Infidelity · Deception · Loyalty