Understood by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Name: Understood
Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and the pain it brings to those who experience it. The speaker describes a person who has been in love with someone for years, but that love remains unreciprocated. Despite this, the speaker continues to hold onto the hope that one day their love will be understood and returned.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 106 words

First lines

I value more than I despise / My tendency to sin, / Because it helps me sympathise / With all my tempted kin.

He who has nothing in his soul / That links him to the sod, / Knows not that joy of self-control / Which lifts him up to God.

And I am glad my heart can say, / When others trip and fall / (Although I safely passed that way), / ‘I understand it all. '

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Understood is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1916 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Date: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Religious, Psychological
Length: 106 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhyme and meter.
Philosophical — The themes explore deep moral and existential questions.
Inspirational — The content aims to uplift and provide moral guidance.
Religious — References to God and spiritual self-control are present.