The Human Happiness Poem

Discover the joy of selflessness through Nannie H. Woodruff's heartfelt poem.

Deeds of loving kindness will, in reflex influence return.

Short Poems & Quotes  |   Poems   |   Inspirational Poems  |   Poems About Happiness  |   The Human Happiness Poem

Updated January 2, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer

Nannie H. Woodruff's poem Human Happiness shines a light on the profound truth that true joy comes not from selfish pursuits, but from acts of love and kindness. In this heartfelt reflection, she contrasts the emptiness of self-centered living with the deep fulfillment found in blessing others. Her words remind us of the beauty of selflessness, the power of love, and the ultimate foundation for happiness—building our lives on the principles of faith and compassion. This poem offers timeless wisdom, urging us to embrace love as both a law and a gift, creating a ripple effect of joy that echoes far beyond our own hearts.


Human Happiness

Poet: Nannie H. Woodruff

I hold that human happiness,
If built on self, is nothing worth
That bliss translated means to bless
Some other denizen of earth.

The selfish man who lives alone
For greed of gain for paltry pelf,
Knows not his heart has turned to stone
That blindly he defrauds himself.

He might have won a wealth of love
By kindly acts and words of cheer
And joy, all other joys above
A needy neighbor's grateful tear.

For deeds of loving kindness will
In reflex influence return
To render kind hearts kinder still,
To make love's flame still brighter burn.

Who solely lived to please himself
E'er aught but disappointment found?
Pleasure's a sly, deceitful elf,
Who hides her chains until you're bound.

Oh, men are dull of heart and cold,
And find His lesson hard to learn
Who came the secret to unfold
How peace is found for which they yearn.

Love's the fulfilling of the law,
For love is law, and law is love;
If our old earth this mandate saw
Fulfilled, 'twould be like heaven above.

Then build your hope of happiness
Upon the rock of His command
Who gave His all your life to bless,
Or find you've built upon the sand.



Key Messages from this poem:


True happiness means to bless some other denizen of earth.

More Poems About Happiness



Short Poems & Quotes    |     Poems    |     Quotes    |     Special Occasion Poems & Quotes    |     Contact Us    |     About Us