Will by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1909)
The poem explores the theme of lost love and longing. The speaker reflects on a past relationship that has ended, and they are left to ponder what could have been if their lover had stayed with them. The poem expresses a deep sense of yearning and regret, as the speaker acknowledges that they will never be reunited with their beloved in this life or the next.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 190 words
First lines
You will be what you will to be; / Let failure find its false content / In that poor word "environment," / But spirit scorns it, and is free,
It masters time, it conquers space, / It cows that boastful trickster Chance, / And bids the tyrant Circumstance / Uncrown and fill a servant's place.
The human Will, that force unseen, / The offspring of a deathless Soul, / Can hew the way to any goal, / Though walls of granite intervene.
Be not impatient in delay, / But wait as one who understands; / When spirit rises and commands, / The gods are ready to obey.
What this Textopian page supports
Will is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Motivational
- Length: 190 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Will 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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Similar titles
- Foes by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Will by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- What We Want by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- More Fortunate by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Half Fledged by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Sympathy by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhyme and meter.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on self-determination, willpower, and overcoming obstacles.
- Philosophical — The text explores abstract concepts such as the human spirit, destiny, and the power of the will.
- Motivational — The content aims to encourage and motivate readers to achieve their goals.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Emotions · Passion · Desire · Longing · Heartbreak · Sorrow · Melancholy · Reflection