Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Ella Wheeler Wilcox (November 5,
1850–October 30, 1919) was an American author and poet. Her best-known work was
Poems of Passion, and her autobiography, The Worlds and I was published in 1918
shortly before her death.
A popular rather than a literary poet, her
poems express sentiments of cheer and optimism in plainly written, rhyming
verse. Her world view is expressed in the title of her poem "Whatever Is—Is
Best" (suggesting an echo of Pope's "Whatever is, is right."). None of her work
was included by F. O. Matthiesen in The Oxford Book of American Verse, but
Hazel Felleman chose no less than thirteen of her poems for Best Loved Poems of
the American People, while Martin Gardner selected "Solitude" and "The Winds of
Fate" for Best Remembered Poems.
She is frequently cited in parody
collections (Pegasus Descending, others). Sinclair Lewis indicates Babbitt's
lack of literary sophistication by having refer to a piece of verse as "one of
the classic poems, like 'If' by Kipling, or Ella Wheeler Wilcox's 'The Man
Worth While'".
1850–October 30, 1919) was an American author and poet. Her best-known work was
Poems of Passion, and her autobiography, The Worlds and I was published in 1918
shortly before her death.
A popular rather than a literary poet, her
poems express sentiments of cheer and optimism in plainly written, rhyming
verse. Her world view is expressed in the title of her poem "Whatever Is—Is
Best" (suggesting an echo of Pope's "Whatever is, is right."). None of her work
was included by F. O. Matthiesen in The Oxford Book of American Verse, but
Hazel Felleman chose no less than thirteen of her poems for Best Loved Poems of
the American People, while Martin Gardner selected "Solitude" and "The Winds of
Fate" for Best Remembered Poems.
She is frequently cited in parody
collections (Pegasus Descending, others). Sinclair Lewis indicates Babbitt's
lack of literary sophistication by having refer to a piece of verse as "one of
the classic poems, like 'If' by Kipling, or Ella Wheeler Wilcox's 'The Man
Worth While'".
Love is enough
Love is enough. Let us not ask for gold. Wealth breeds false aims, and pride and selfishness; In those serene, Arcadian days of old Men gave no thought to princely homes and dress. The gods who dwelt on fair Olympia's height Lived only for dear love and love's delight. Love is enough. Love is enough. Why should we care for fame? Ambition is a most unpleasant guest: It lures us with the glory of a name Far from the happy haunts of peace and rest. Let us stay here in this secluded place Made beautiful by love's endearing grace! Love is enough. Love is enough. Why should we strive for power? It brings men only envy and distrust. The poor world's homage pleases but an hour, And earthly honours vanish in the dust. The grandest lives are ofttimes desolate; Let me be loved, and let who will be great. Love is enough. Love is enough. Why should we ask for more? What greater gift have gods vouchsafed to men? What better boon of all their precious store Than our fond hearts that love and love again? Old love may die; new love is just as sweet; And life is fair and all the world complete: Love is enough! |
Kingdom of Love
In the dawn of the day when the sea and the earth Reflected the sunrise above, I set forth with a heart full of courage and mirth To seek for the Kingdom of Love. I asked of a Poet I met on the way Which cross-road would lead me aright. And he said: "Follow me, and not long you shall see Its glittering turrets of light." And soon in the distance a city shone fair, "Look yonder," he said; "how it gleams!" But alas! for the hopes that were doomed to despair, It was only the "Kingdom of Dreams." Then the next man I asked was a gay Cavalier, And he said: "Follow me, follow me;" And with laughter and song we went speeding along By the shores of Life's beautiful sea. Then we came to a valley more tropical far Than the wonderful vale of Cashmere, And I saw from a bower a face like a flower Smile out on the gay Cavalier. And he said: "We have come to humanity's goal: Here love and delight are intense." But alas and alas! for the hopes of my soul It was only the "Kingdom of Sense." As I journeyed more slowly I met on the road A coach with retainers behind. And they said: "Follow me, for our Lady's abode Belongs in that realm, you will find." 'Twas a grand dame of fashion, a newly made bride, I followed, encouraged and bold; But my hopes died away like the last gleams of day, For we came to the "Kingdom of Gold." At the door of a cottage I asked a fair maid. "I have heard of that realm," she replied; "But my feet never roam from the "Kingdom of Home," So I know not the way," and she sighed. I looked on the cottage; how restful it seemed! And the maid was as fair as a dove. Great light glorified my soul as I cried: "Why home is the 'Kingdom of Love!'" |