What Would It Be?
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.'
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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering What Would It Be??
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
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