Was, Is, and Yet-to-Be
The poem explores the concept of time and its effects on human life. It describes the past (WAS) as a period of innocence and joy, the present (IS) as a time of struggle and hardship, and the future (YET-TO-BE) as a realm of uncertainty and possibility. The speaker reflects on how the past has shaped their current circumstances and wonders what the future holds.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Allegory · 345 words
First lines
Was, Is, and Yet-to-Be Were chatting over a cup of tea.
In tarnished finery smelling of must, Was talked of people long turned to dust;
What this Textopian page supports
Was, Is, and Yet-to-Be is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Allegory, Literary Fiction, Inspirational
- Length: 345 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Was, Is, and Yet-to-Be 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Was, Is, and Yet-to-Be?
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- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep concepts of time, existence, and the human condition.
- Allegory — The characters represent abstract ideas such as the past, present, and future.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth align with literary fiction characteristics.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Spirituality · Optimism · Inspirational · Motivational · Personal Growth · Self-Help · Mindfulness · Wellness · Positive Thinking · Empowerment