Unanswered Prayers
The poem explores the theme of unanswered prayers and the consequences that follow when one's desires are not fulfilled. It delves into the emotional turmoil and spiritual crisis that can arise from feeling abandoned by a higher power. The speaker reflects on their past prayers, which were met with silence, and grapples with the idea that their pleas may have been ignored or rejected.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Inspirational · 357 words
First lines
Like some schoolmaster, kind in being stern, Who hears the children crying o'er their slates And calling, "Help me, master! " yet helps not, Since in his silence and refusal lies Their self-development, so God abides Unheeding many prayers. He is not deaf To any cry sent up from earnest hearts; He hears and strengthens when He must deny. He sees us weeping over life's hard sums; But should He give the key and dry our tears, What would it profit us when school were done And not one lesson mastered?
What this Textopian page supports
Unanswered Prayers 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, Philosophical Literature, Inspirational, Religious, Reflective
- Length: 357 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Unanswered Prayers by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Gods Kin by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Gods Measure by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Lost Faith by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical Literature — The themes explore deep philosophical questions about prayer, divine intervention, and human development.
- Inspirational — The content aims to inspire and provide comfort to readers dealing with unanswered prayers and life's challenges.
- Religious — The text discusses themes related to God, prayer, and spiritual growth.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Spirituality · Philosophy · Free Verse · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Christianity · Faith · Doubt · Questioning God · Religious Crisis