Time's Defeat by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. It describes how time defeats humanity, taking away youth, beauty, and life. The speaker reflects on how people struggle to hold onto these fleeting aspects, but ultimately fail. Despite this, the poem suggests that even in defeat, there is a strange kind of triumph, as humans find a way to transcend mortality through their legacy and impact on the world.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 294 words
First lines
Time has made conquest of so many things That once were mine. Swift-footed, eager youth That ran to meet the years; bold brigand health, That broke all laws of reason unafraid, And laughed at talk of punishment.
Close ties of blood and friendship, joy of life, Which reads its music in the major key And will not listen to a minor strain- These things and many more are spoils of time.
Yet as a conqueror who only storms The outposts of a town, and finds the fort Too strong to be assailed, so time retreats And knows his impotence. He cannot take
What this Textopian page supports
Time's Defeat is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Reflective
- Length: 294 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about time, mortality, and the human condition.
- Inspirational — The text conveys messages of resilience, love, and faith, aiming to uplift the reader.
- Reflective — The narrative is introspective, contemplating past experiences and their impact on the present.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Spirituality · Mortality · Immortality · Time · Eternity · Death · Life · Afterlife · Reincarnation · Soul