Thy Ship by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that one's soul is a ship navigating through life, with the speaker urging the reader to take control of their own vessel and steer it towards happiness and fulfillment. The poem emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and intentional decision-making in shaping one's destiny.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 333 words
First lines
Hadst thou a ship, in whose vast hold lay stored The priceless riches of all climes and lands, Say, wouldst thou let it float upon the seas Unpiloted, of fickle winds the sport, And of wild waves and hidden rocks the prey?
Thine is that ship; and in its depths concealed Lies all the wealth of this vast universe -- Yea, lies some part of God's omnipotence The legacy divine of every soul. Thy will, O man, thy will is that great ship, And yet behold it drifting here and there -- One moment lying motionless in port, Then on high seas by sudden impulse flung,
What this Textopian page supports
Thy Ship is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Allegory, Didactic
- Length: 333 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Thy Ship by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Thy Ship?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Goal by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- I Am Running Forth To Meet You by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Love Is Enough by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Our Souls by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Found by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The House Of Life by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on self-improvement, motivation, and the power of will.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep questions about human potential and the nature of the soul.
- Allegory — The ship serves as a metaphor for the human will and life's journey.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Marriage · Relationships · Soulmates · Spirituality · Inspiration · Motivation · Philosophy · Life lessons · Personal growth