To-Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1913)
The poem explores the theme of living in the present moment and making the most of it. The speaker urges the reader to seize the day and make it their own, rather than waiting for tomorrow or dwelling on yesterday. The poem emphasizes the importance of taking action and making decisions in the present, rather than procrastinating or being indecisive.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 272 words
First lines
I love this age of energy and force, Expectantly I greet each pregnant hour; Emerging from the all-creative source, Supreme with promise, imminent with power. The strident whistle and the clanging bell, The noise of gongs, the rush of motored things Are but the prophet voices which foretell A time when thought may use unfettered wings.
Too long the drudgery of earth has been A barrier 'twixt man and his own mind. Remove the stone, and lo! the Christ within; For He is there, and who so seeks shall find. The Great Inventor is the Modern Priest. He paves the pathway to a higher goal. Once from the grind of endless toil released Man will explore the kingdom of his soul.
What this Textopian page supports
To-Day is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Modernist
- Length: 272 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To-Day 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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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on progress, potential, and the uplifting power of modern advancements.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep questions about the human mind, soul, and the intersection of faith and science.
- Modernist — The content reflects a modernist perspective, emphasizing innovation, change, and the breaking of traditional barriers.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Inspiration · Motivation · Self-Help · Personal Growth · Spirituality · Optimism · Positive Thinking · Wellness · Mindfulness · Reflection