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Who is Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Ella Wheeler Wilcox was a prolific American poet and author, known for her optimistic and inspirational verses. Born in 1850 in Wisconsin, she began writing poetry at a young age and published her first poem at the age of 14.
Wilcox’s writing style was characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, making her work appealing to a wide audience. She often tackled themes of love, spirituality, and personal growth, delivering messages of hope and perseverance.
Wilcox’s most famous poem, “Solitude,” gained widespread recognition and solidified her reputation as a talented poet. Throughout her career, she published numerous collections of poetry and prose, including “Poems of Passion” and “Poems of Peace.”
Wilcox’s work continues to be celebrated for its uplifting and timeless qualities, reminding readers to embrace life’s challenges and find strength in the face of adversity. Her legacy as a poet of optimism and resilience continues to inspire generations of readers to this day.
Solitude
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep, and you weep alone;
For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.
Sing, and the hills will answer;
Sigh, it is lost on the air;
The echoes bound to a joyful sound,
But shrink from voicing care.
Rejoice, and men will seek you;
Grieve, and they turn and go;
They want full measure of all your pleasure,
But they do not need your woe.
Be glad, and your friends are many;
Be sad, and you lose them all,—
There are none to decline your nectared wine,
But alone you must drink life’s gall.
Feast, and your halls are crowded;
Fast, and the world goes by.
Succeed and give, and it helps you live,
But no man can help you die.
There is room in the halls of pleasure
For a large and lordly train,
But one by one we must all file on
Through the narrow aisles of pain.
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