Lines from

Ella Wheeler Wilcox 1855 (Janesville) – 1919



I'd rather have my verses win
A place in common people's hearts,
Who, toiling through the strife and din
Of life's great thoroughfares, and marts,

May read some line my hand has penned;
Some simple verse, not fine, or grand,
But what their hearts can understand
And hold me henceforth as a friend,--

I'd rather win such quiet fame
Than by some fine thought, bolished so
But those of learned minds would know,
Just what the meaning of my song,--
To have the critics sound my name
In high-flown praises, loud and long.

I sing not for the critic's ear,
But for the masses. If they hear
Despite the turmoil, noise, and strife
Some least low note that gladdens life,
I shall be wholly satisfied,
Though critics to the end deride.

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on March 05, 2023

42 sec read
91

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABAB CDDC EFFGEG HHIIJJ
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 732
Words 135
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 6, 6

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ella Wheeler Wilcox was an American author and poet. more…

All Ella Wheeler Wilcox poems | Ella Wheeler Wilcox Books

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