What Would It Be? by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea of a romantic relationship that could have been if circumstances were different. The speaker reflects on what their life would be like if they had married their beloved, imagining a happy and fulfilling partnership. However, this possibility remains unrealized due to unexplained reasons, leaving the speaker to ponder what could have been.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1883 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 303 words
First lines
NOW what were the words of Jesus, / And what would He pause and say, / If we were to meet in home or street, / The Lord of the world to-day? / Oh, I think He would pause and say: / ‘Go on with your chosen labour; / Speak only good of your neighbour; / Widen your farms, and lay down your arms, / Or dig up the soil with each sabre.'
Now what were the answer of Jesus / If we should ask for a creed, / To carry us straight to the wonderful gate / When soul from body is freed? / Oh, I think He would give us this creed: / ‘Praise God whatever betide you; / Cast joy on the lives beside you; / Better the earth, by growing in worth, / With love as the law to guide you.'
Similar titles
- The Question by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Answers by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- How Is It by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Queries by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Understood by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Question by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The text explores themes related to Jesus, faith, and spiritual guidance through poetic verses.
- Inspirational — The work provides motivational messages about living a good life, improving oneself, and spreading positivity.
- Philosophical — The content delves into philosophical questions about the meaning of life, the soul, and moral conduct.
- Didactic — The text aims to teach and provide moral lessons through its verses.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Inspirational · Motivational · Self-Help · Personal Growth · Spirituality · Mindfulness · Contemplation · Reflection · Introspection · Life Questions
What this Textopian page supports
What Would It Be? is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Didactic, Christian Literature
- Length: 303 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What Would It 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph