Preaching Vs Practice

Read 'Preaching Vs Practice' by 'Ella Wheeler Wilcox' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Preaching Vs Practice by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

 It is easy to sit in the sunshine
And talk to the man in the shade; 
It is easy to float in a well-trimmed boat, 
And point out the places to wade.

But once we pass into the shadows, 
We murmur and fret and frown, 
And, our length from the bank, we shout for a plank, 
Or throw up our hands and go down.

It is easy to sit in your carriage, 
And counsel the man on foot, 
But get down and walk, and you'll change your talk, 
As you feel the peg in your boot.

It is easy to tell the toiler
How best he can carry his pack, 
But no one can rate a burden's weight
Until it has been on his back.

The up-curled mouth of pleasure, 
Can prate of sorrow's worth, 
But give it a sip, and a wryer lip, 
Was never made on earth.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace