Wishes for a Little Girl by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem expresses the poet's hopes and desires for a little girl's future, wishing her a life of happiness, innocence, and freedom from societal expectations and restrictions. The poet wants the child to grow up with a sense of wonder, curiosity, and creativity, unspoiled by the harsh realities of the world.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 259 words
First lines
What would I ask the kindly fates to give / To crown her life, if I could have my way? / My strongest wishes would be negative, / If they would but obey.
Give her not greatness. For great souls must stand / Alone and lonely in this little world: / Cleft rocks that show the great Creator's hand, / Thither by earthquakes hurled.
Give her not genius. Spare her the cruel pain / Of finding her whole life a prey for daws; / Of hearing with quickened sense and burning brain / The world's sneer-tinged applause.
Give her not perfect beauty's gifts. For then / Her truthful mirror would infuse her mind / With love for self, and for the praise of men, / That lowers woman-kind.
Similar titles
- Retrospection by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Answers by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Most Blest Is He by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- New Year by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Kingdom Of Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Encouragement by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential and moral questions about life and human nature.
- Inspirational — The content aims to provide guidance and positive wishes for a fulfilling life.
- Romantic — There are elements of love and relationships, particularly in the context of a woman's role.
Tags
Poetry · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Heartwarming · Sentimental · Nostalgic · Childhood · Girlhood · Growing Up · Life Lessons · Wisdom
What this Textopian page supports
Wishes for a Little Girl is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Romantic, Didactic
- Length: 259 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Wishes for a Little Girl 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