Words by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1896)
The poem explores the idea that words have power and can cause harm or good. It argues that spoken words can never be taken back and can have lasting effects on individuals and relationships. The speaker urges caution in speech, emphasizing the importance of choosing words wisely to avoid causing unnecessary pain or conflict.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 136 words
First lines
Words are great forces in the realm of life: / Be careful of their use. Who talks of hate, / Of poverty, of sickness, but sets rife / These very elements to mar his fate.
When love, health, happiness, and plenty hear / Their names repeated over day by day, / They wing their way like answering fairies near, / Then nestle down within our homes to stay.
Who talks of evil conjures into shape / The formless thing and gives it life and scope. / This is the law: then let no word escape / That does not breathe of everlasting hope.
What this Textopian page supports
Words is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Self-Help
- Length: 136 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Words 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
- Understood by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Message by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Reminders by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- I Dream by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- What We Need by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Praise Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on positive thinking, hope, and the power of words to shape reality.
- Philosophical — The work explores abstract concepts like fate, existence, and the impact of language on life.
- Self-Help — The content provides guidance on how to use words to improve one's life and well-being.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Philosophical · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Spiritual · Christian · Religious · Faith · Hope · Optimism