How blind is he who prays that God will send
All pain from earth. Pain has its use and place;
Its ministry of holiness and grace.
The darker tones upon the canvas blend
With light and colour; and their shadows lend
The painting half its dignity. Efface
The sombre background, and you lose all trace
Of that perfection which is true art's trend.
Life is an artist seeking to reveal
God's majesty and beauty in each soul.
If from the palette mortal man could steal
The precious pigment, pain, why then the scrolt
Would glare with colours meaningless and bright,
Or show an empty canvas, blurred with light.
I am busy working to bring Ella Wheeler Wilcox's "Pain's Purpose" 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 "Pain's Purpose" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.