Conversion.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

             I have lived this life as the skeptic lives it;          I have said the sweetness was less than the gall;              Praising, nor cursing, the Hand that gives it,          I have drifted aimlessly through it all.              I have scoffed at the tale of a so-called heaven;          I have laughed at the thought of a Supreme Friend;              I have said that it only to man was given          To live, to endure; and to die was the end.              But I know that a good God reigneth,          Generous-hearted and kind and true;              Since unto a worm like me he deigneth          To send so royal a gift as you.              Bright as a star you gleam on my bosom,          Sweet as a rose that the wild bee sips;              And I know, my own, my beautiful blossom,          That none but a God could mould such lips.              And I believe, in the fullest measure          That ever a strong man's heart could hold,              In all the tales of heavenly pleasure          By poets sung or by prophets told;              For in the joy of your shy, sweet kisses,          Your pulsing touch and your languid sigh              I am filled and thrilled with better blisses          Than ever were claimed for souls on high.              And now I have faith in all the stories          Told of the beauties of unseen lands;              Of royal splendors and marvellous glories          Of the golden city not made with hands              For the silken beauty of falling tresses,          Of lips all dewy and cheeks aglow,              With - what the mind in a half trance guesses          Of the twin perfection of drifts of snow;              Of limbs like marble, of thigh and shoulder          Carved like a statue in high relief -              These, as the eyes and the thoughts grow bolder,          Leave no room for an unbelief.              So my lady, my queen most royal,          My skepticism has passed away;              If you are true to me, true and loyal,          I will believe till the Judgment-day.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem traverses a profound personal journey from skepticism to faith, employing a heartfelt narrative style. The speaker begins in a state of disbelief and cynicism, doubting not only the existence of a divine entity but also the possibility of any sweetness or goodness in life. The tone is initially desolate and detached, reflected through the speaker's self-description as drifting "aimlessly" through life.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's perspective transforms significantly through the introduction of another individual whom he perceives as a divine gift, thus attributing a divine existence. This is where the theme of love and beauty, personified through the "royal gift," begins to dominate. The speaker's tone shifts from cynicism to awe and adoration, expressed through the vivid imagery of the beloved as a star, a rose, and a beautiful blossom. The speaker's newfound belief in divinity is grounded in the physical reality and sensual experiences of love, rather than abstract theological concepts.

The structure of the poem is consistent, which provides a rhythmic backdrop to the speaker's dramatic emotional journey. The frequent use of anaphora, the repetition of phrases at the beginning of lines, emphasizes the speaker's transformation from skepticism to faith. Metaphorical language and vivid imagery are standout literary devices, used to illustrate the speaker's shifting perceptions and emotions.

In conclusion, this poem is a powerful exploration of the themes of skepticism, faith, love, and beauty. Through its consistent structure and evocative use of language, it portrays a transformative personal journey, demonstrating the potential for human love to inspire spiritual awakening and belief.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.


Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.