The Wish of to-Day by John Greenleaf Whittier
This poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. It reflects on how people's wishes have changed over time, from material possessions to more profound desires. The speaker expresses a desire to return to a bygone era when life was less complicated and people were more genuine.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1866 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry · 239 words
First lines
I ask not now for gold to gild With mocking shine a weary frame; The yearning of the mind is stilled, I ask not now for Fame.
A rose-cloud, dimly seen above, Melting in heaven's blue depths away; Oh, sweet, fond dream of human Love For thee I may not pray.
But, bowed in lowliness of mind, I make my humble wishes known; I only ask a will resigned, O Father, to Thine own!
To-day, beneath Thy chastening eye I crave alone for peace and rest, Submissive in Thy hand to lie, And feel that it is best.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wish of to-Day is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1866 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Nature Poetry
- Length: 239 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Wish of to-Day by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem expresses deep spiritual longing and submission to a higher power, central to religious themes.
- Lyric Poetry — The work conveys personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — It explores existential themes and the nature of life and death, aligning with philosophical inquiry.
- Romantic Poetry — The poem reflects on love and human experience, typical of the Romantic genre.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Social Commentary · Politics · Slavery · Abolitionism · Morality · Ethics · Philosophy