Once in a time of trouble and of care
I dreamed I talked with God about my pain;
With sleepland courage, daring to complain
Of what I deemed ungracious and unfair.
'Lord, I have grovelled on my knees in prayer
Hour after hour,' I cried; 'yet all in vain;
No hand leads up to heights I would attain,
No path is shown me out of my despair.'
Then answered God: 'Three things I gave to thee -
Clear brain, brave will, and strength of mind and heart,
All implements divine, to shape the way.
Why shift the burden of thy toil on Me?
Till to the utmost he has done his part
With all his might, let no man DARE to pray.'
I am busy working to bring Ella Wheeler Wilcox's "God's Answer" to life through some unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you later.
In the meantime, I invite you to explore the poem's themes, structure, and meaning. You can also check out the gallery for other musical arrangements or learn more about Ella Wheeler Wilcox's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "God's Answer" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.