"Wishing" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is an inspiring poem that encourages self-improvement, the pursuit of wisdom, and spreading kindness in order to create a better, happier, and wiser world. The poem is structured around a series of questions, each asking the reader if they wish the world were better, wiser, or happier. The poet then provides insightful advice on how to bring about these positive changes, emphasizing the power of individual actions and attitudes.
The poem begins by suggesting that readers should set a watch on their actions and maintain a high moral standard, keeping their thoughts clean and unselfish. By doing so, the poet argues that individuals can create a little Eden or paradise within their sphere of influence. This opening stanza establishes the theme of self-improvement as a means to effect positive change in the world.
In the following stanza, the poem urges readers to accumulate wisdom in their hearts and live a life of continuous learning. The poet emphasizes the importance of gaining knowledge before sharing it with others, highlighting the significance of personal growth and intellectual development.
The final stanza of "Wishing" focuses on the power of kindness and its ability to bring happiness to the world. The poet encourages readers to scatter seeds of kindness as they go about their daily lives, emphasizing the ripple effect that even small acts of kindness can have on others. The poem concludes with a metaphor that likens the planting of an acorn to the act of spreading kindness, illustrating how a single act can have a lasting impact, just as an acorn grows into a mighty oak that provides shelter to many.
Throughout the poem, Ella Wheeler Wilcox emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in shaping the world around us. She believes that by focusing on self-improvement, pursuing wisdom, and spreading kindness, each person has the power to contribute to a better, happier, and wiser world. "Wishing" serves as an uplifting reminder of the potential we all possess to positively impact the lives of others and the world at large.