Reviews from

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Through tears to enlightenment

39 total reviews 
Comment from nomi338
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I have read poems that made my spirit soar. I have read poems that have left me sad and shaken. I have read poems that made me angry and desirous of a way to strike out aggressively. I have read poems that left me in a peaceful state, desiring to embrace humanity in love and harmony. This poem has left me in awe of its mastery, its beauty, and its wisdom. I feel that six stars are not even enough. This poem is simply awesome. The statement at the end reminds me of the scripture that states: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy, sweet joy, comes with the morning's light.

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    What beautiful words, Nomi! Thank you so much for your exceptional review and comments that I absolutely treasure! She was an amazing woman who inspired happiness and love of life despite her own sadness that often prevailed. True inspiration! Take care Debbie
Comment from karenina
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

God bless Mike! He has such a knack for leading us to inspiring places!

Ella Wilcox was one of my father's favorite poets, and many of her famous lines were tucked into dad/daughter discussions.

For some reason my weekly six allotment has been delayed...

Still, I could not wait to tell you how moving this poem is!

One of my favorite quotes:

"My life is a brief, brief thing,
I am here for a little space.
And while I stay I would like, if I may,
To brighten and better the place."

-- Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Poems of Power

You brighten the world with your writing!

Karenina

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    What a wonderful quote! I missed that one. But she really seems to have made it her mission to cheer and inspire, no matter how sad she might have felt underneath. Have you read or heard (on YouTube) Voice of the Voiceless (about animal cruelty)? Stirring stuff! Thank you so much for your kind review and those lovely, encouraging words! Take care Debbie
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Your poetic talents have become absolutely stellar in so short a time, Elle!! I absolutely LOVE to read everything you write, and this one (do I say this every time?) is my new favorite. You have drawn such a gorgeous portrait of this mega-talented poet. It's obvious how dear she is to you. It feels as if you're writing about a personal friend. Really beautiful job here! xoxo

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    Rachelle, you're so generous! Thank you very much. I didn't actually know her until she was recently introduced to me so had to learn very quickly! But you're right, she was a very talented lady, ahead of her times I think. Passionate about people as well as animals and nature and yet so sad underneath. I would love to have met her. Thank you so much for your lovely words. Debbie x
reply by Rachelle Allen on 03-Sep-2023
    My pleasure. It was a wonderful poem.
Comment from JSD
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Another education. Never heard of her, to my shame! But this is a beautiful tribute, Debbie, worthy of some of your best work. The poetry tributes are far superior to the song ones, in my opinion, although I did love the disco one. Who's next I wonder????

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    Back to song I think. It's all getting a bit serious. But not Queen! Thanks for your kind review and encouraging words. Take care Debbie
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing this tribute to Ella Wheeler Wilcox with us. I am not familiar with her work, but I will surely look her look. It seems as though her life had it's share of problem, yet she overcame them.

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    Thank you so much, Barbara for your kind review and thoughts! I'm delighted that this verse might have fired your interest to read more of her works. Take care Debbie
Comment from Paul Manton
Excellent
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Ella Wheeler Wilcox was one of America's most empathic poets. Her life story has considerable suffering in it, which, if anything, heightened her gift - and her poetry.
Thank you for the excellent notes, Debbie. I only know 'about' this poet - and I must check my book store (scattered liberally over three rooms!) to see if I have her poems in an anthology.

It must have come as a great shock when her husband did not contact her from beyond the grave - but I should have been more worried if he had!
And I'm not sure if she ended up as more of a Buddhist - I thought that maybe that was a phase, as she sought to make sense of her bereavement.

Either way, she seems to have become increasingly altruistic in support of both vulnerable people and animals - right up to the end of her life.

Your usual well honed abab and 4-3-4-3 rhyme and rhythm - faultless as ever. You have told her story without once losing the interest within the narrative.

A poet who needed to be brought to our attention. Thank you, Debbie.
Paul

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 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    Thank you for your kind and thorough review which I greatly appreciate! She seems to have remained devoutly Christian, though dabbling in the occult and mystical beliefs which gave her great comfort that she might meet Robert in another life. A remarkable woman ahead of the times! I would like to have met her. Take care Debbie.
reply by Paul Manton on 03-Sep-2023
    Thanks Debbie. I found her very intriguing, thanks to you.
    Paul
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thanks for introducing us to this poet through your own lovely poem about her life. She seems to have esperienced a lot of sorrow which seems to the case of a lot of the better poets. I'm glad you also included a reading of one of her poems. I do remember the line Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and your weep along.
You notes say her husband died in 2016. I'm sure you must have meant 1916.

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 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    Beth, what would I do without you? I don't know what's going on in my brain with dates and keep doing this! In some weird way I keep thinking it's now 2123 (that's my only excuse). I really appreciate your review and you're right that so many incredible talents have been inspired through grief (as well as madness and addiction). It's difficult not to make them all sound the same! Take care Debbie x
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is very beautiful and your authors note so full and informative. Very interesting. I didn't know much of this about that Wonderful poet. Your poem truly honors her and has encouraged me to read her works and live story also.

Best wishes!

Alexandra

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    Thank you so much, Alex, for this exceptional review. I didn't know her until recently introduced but she has written some amazing stuff. And her poem on animal cruelty (Voice of the Voiceless) is a real tear-jerker. I'm delighted that this might have inspired you to read more. Thanks again. Debbie
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I have never heard of this poet Debbie and I have read some of her work now and I am so glad to learn about her from you. Heartache also inspired me to write Debbie so I can identify with that line. We look for ways to overcome our grief and appreciate other people's sorrow too.

This is my favourite stanza:

The message she had learned through grief:
if spring grass should grow sweet,
the soul must toil and seek relief
"ere song is born complete."

A well earned six Debbie, a joy to read, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    Thank you so much Dolly! I'm delighted that it means something to you. I didn't know her until Mike introduced me but it was enough that her poetry seems to have inspired him through some difficult times. I'm not sure if people will relate to her here as even good old Robert Frost was a bit of a mystery sometimes until I put his name up. We'll see. But your words. as ever, are greatly appreciated. Debbie x
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 03-Sep-2023
    I have just bought her book on ebay Debbie as I want to read more of her work, so thank you for introducing me to her, love Dolly x x x
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    I think you'll love her! And her verse "Voice of the Voiceless" (about animal cruelty) is heart-breaking. Another wonderful woman ahead of her times!
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    Oh no! That's what someone found after writing an obvious parody for one of the contests. I've been singing the praises of your story to my husband who, for once, listened to me on the subject of FS and laughed:)